Abstract
"What’s That Sound?" is a metaphorical short story that explores racism through the lens of a mysterious, ever-growing sound. The protagonist begins to hear a strange noise, subtle at first, then increasingly deafening as they navigate daily life. Despite their confusion and efforts to understand the source, those around them, particularly white individuals, dismiss or deny the sound’s existence. Only other people of color acknowledge it, sharing a collective understanding. Through symbolism, the story illustrates how racism operates as an ever-present force felt deeply by marginalized communities, yet often ignored or unheard by those not directly affected.
Recommended Citation
Lemus, Leslie
(2026)
"What's That Sound?,"
Athena: Undergraduate Research and Literary Journal: Vol. 4, Article 7.
DOI: 10.51221/sc.ath.2026.4.1.7
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/athena/vol4/iss1/7
Included in
Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons, Literature in English, North America Commons