<Tab/>Ralph Ellison in his essay, "An Extravagance of Laughter" demonstrated the living condition of black life in the segregated 1930's. Ellison grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, His father past away when he was only three. He lived with his mother and brother in absolute poverty, but always believe that he could overcome the limits of racial prejudice. Throughout the years, Ellison fell in love with Africa-American music (Jazz). He played Trumpet and thought himself Louis Armstrong solos.
<Tab/>For Ellison and many other blacks in the south, personal choice (privileges) was something they were lacking. He states, "you lived in a Negro neighborhood because you were forced to do so, and because you preferred living among those of your own background. …
