The narrative in “Race” is Great-Uncle Paul’s decision to pass in 1930. Passing (presenting as white) is a choice that Black Americans and other racial groups make to avoid the social and legal consequences of racial discrimination. Passing existed in the United States because any nonwhite ancestry, regardless of degree, was enough to make a person subject to racially discriminatory laws that had an impact on professional, economic, and social opportunities until passage of civil rights laws during the 20th century.

Paul likely becomes “fundamentally white” (Line 3) because he wants a professional opportunity not available to him otherwise. Although Paul’s passing may be motivated by a desire to be a forester, Alexander’s choice of the word “fundamentally” (Line 3) indicates that his choice goes beyond an economic one. Paul chooses Oregon over New York, placing him as far away from his family members and Black community as possible. These places are symbols of certain kinds of racial identity. Oregon is a state that to this day has a white-majority population due to racial exclusion laws that existed from its founding. Oregon is thus a symbol for whiteness.

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