How is racial tension presented in the play, Clybourne Park?

Racial tensions mount in both acts of the play. In the first act, Karl and Jim are concerned about the effects on the community if an African American family moves in. The homeowners who sell their house are not concerned. They do not know the race of the new owners and it does not matter to them. Karl is shocked when he finds out and chuckles when he is telling Russ. Karl and his wife Betsy visit the family in Hamilton Park. They try to make a counter offer to the African-American family. Bev is not concerned with the color of the new homeowners' skin. She is not even sure if they are African American. She states, "But isn't it possible that they're ... I don't know, Mediterranean or - (p. 64)."

In the second act, Lindsey tries to be nonprejudiced by stating that she has friends who are African American and she tells her husband that she has dated an African American. Her husband spurs her on to name her friends and questions who she dated. Lindsey is shocked and appalled at her husband's behavior. She just wants to live in the community and raise her children next to her neighbors. Lindsey and Bev's outlook are strikingly similar despite the 50-year difference between the two characters.

The author contrasts the differences between racial tension in 1959 and in 2009. Some progress has been made in terms of attitudes and relationships. The play makes the viewer question the present day perspective of racial issues.