The meaning behind Griggs

"Learn to live in the south." That is part of what Griggs said to Richard in the novel Black Boy. Richard was obviously not going to be able to do that. It wasn't in his nature. Learning to live in the South in the time of Black Boy means lying down and accepting the stereotypes that are put towards black men in those days. There is no way that Richard could lie down and take that. Richard rebellious-like spirit wouldn't let him ever do that. He is the type of person that couldn't take being step on.