In Toni Cade Bambara's "Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird," the
significance of the title is illustrated by Granny's reactions to the two men who
intrude upon her family: The blues are emotionally charged songs that relate many
hardships or agonies of people; and, the mockingbird is a very territorial bird that
fiercely defends its nest. Like the mockingbird who is disturbed by any interlopers,
Granny resents the cameramen's invading the family's privacy by suddenly showing up on
their property and filming them as those they are some type of exhibit, and not real
people.
Besides valuing her privacy, Granny has a personal
pride; therefore, she finds the cameraman's addressing her as "aunty" demeaning and
insulting, as this term has been used by white people to address old black women in a
patronizing manner. To let the man know that she does not appreciate his addressing her
in such a racially condescending manner, Granny tells him, "Your mama and I are not
related." She also resents the men's saying that they are filming for the food stamp
program, implying that Granny and her family are too poor to support
themselves.
Finally, Granny values her home and her land,
and resents the men's speaking of her property as "nice things" and "stuff." She tells
the man with the camera,
"I don't know about the thing, the it, and the
stuff,....Just people her is what I tend to
consider."
Cognizant of
how his wife feels, Granddaddy Cain lets the men know, "This is our own place." His act
of nailing the hawk and then killing it with the hammer demonstrates to the two
interlopers how the Cains feel about people intruding upon their property.
Then, Granddaddy's breaking of the camera underscores the tall man's
feelings. Clearly, he and Granny both value privacy, respect, and
ownership.
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