In Flannery O"Connor"s Everything That Rises Must Converge, Julian"s character defies the stereotypical liberal mind of modern day. It is my opinion that a truly liberal minded person looks beyond outward appearances of others and does not judge others based on race, religion, class, sexual orientation or any other social grouping. In his preoccupation with the race of others, Julian is not truly the liberal mind he believes himself to be. .

             Mrs. Chesney clearly finds the de-segregation of North America a difficult transition. Having been raised in a family of slave owners, Mrs. Chesney has learned her views from family opinions and experiences. Mrs. Chesney"s character is a representative of the Old South whereas Julian represents the New South. In this respect I won"t deny that the story does portray Mrs. Chesney as the racist with her son Julian as her foil, a new age reflection of changed ideals. I believe that Julian is a good representative of how society has grown and united. The character has not risen above separation of race entirely. .

             Having grown up in an already integrated society it is easier for Julian to relate to and accept people of another race as equals. However, the opinions of Julian"s mother have not evaded Julian entirely. Mrs. Chesney is very open about her opinions on segregation and the inferiority of the black members of society "they should rise, yes, but on their own side of the fence" (399). Having been raised by his mother it would be difficult for Julian to not have been subject to her opinions. It is apparent that with his mother"s opinions burning in his head, Julian is forced to confront his own feelings. Julian aggressively voices his opinion that his mother"s opinions are wrong and out of date "will you look around you, and see where you are now?" (399). .

             Julian makes a conscious effort to do anything within his power to undo his mother"s wrongs against humanity.