The idea of ​​a completely equal social environment is impossible and this is demonstrated through Ralph Ellison's "Battle Royal". Cultural beliefs and differences will always prevent any possibility of social equality as described in “Social Equality” by Gunnar Myrdal. “Battle Royal” shows how cruel the separation between the races can be, but it also shows how impossible it really is for the culture of the races to be equal due to white domination of social equality in both literary works is very much connected through social dominance In "Battle Royal" the story focuses on a young African American man who is brought to a men's club in hopes of giving his academic speech, but instead has to struggle. literally to have the chance to say what he wants to say (Ellison 1494). In modern society people still have to fight for the right to speak, but not exactly to the same extent. During the “Battle Royale” period, the characters were fighting racial segregation, but today it's more about fighting social segregation. This social segregation is caused by the idea that no one should have opinions different from what the majority of society believes in, and these people are usually targeted after saying what they believe. In “Battle Royal” the young man must physically fight to be able to say what he wants, but when he slips up and says what the majority does not believe the crowd is quick to jump up and silence him (Ellison 1504). The white men in this story feel they must dominate the young African American, to maintain the purity of their race, as mentioned in "Social Equality" (Myrdal 1515). “Social Equality” by Gunnar Myrdal talks about the problems of social equality and how an equal so...... middle of paper ...... in every literary work. In these works the separation of races and the resulting cruelty are also highlighted. Both authors have an intriguing take on social equality and how it is impossible and unnecessary, but acceptance is truly the key to a better future. Although racial segregation has weakened, “Battle Royale” and “Social Equality” are still evident when applied to social segregation. The idea that people will never be equal will always be true, but if we simply accept those around us, equality isn't even necessary. Works Cited Ellison, Ralph. "Battle Royale." Making literature matter. Eds. John Schilb and John Clifford. 5th ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Bedford/St. Martin, 2012. 1494-1505. Print.Myrdal, Gunnar. "Social equality". Making literature matter. Eds. John Schilb and John Clifford. 5th ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Bedford/St. Martin, 2012. 1513-16. Press.