Passing has a long history in American literature, and is originally defined by Nella Larsen’s novella Passing in which a light-skinned African American woman passes as white in social settings. Racial passing has always been a hot-button issue because of the anxiety around “getting over on the man.” The topic of passing as part of identity development is discussed movingly in Stephen Kuusisto’s memoir Planet of the Blind. This paper will explore passing in the current public scandal in the world’s largest commuter railroad—the Long Island Railroad. Over 90% of railroad employees retired with disability benefits, costing the railroad billions.
About the presenterJudith Rita Phagan
Specialize an African American literature and American Indian studies, environmental literature and comedy. My newest passion is the disability narrative. Chair of English department for past two years. Enjoying life!!