Why does the narrator’s grandfather tell him to “overcome ’em with yeses?

Explanation:

In the novel “” the narrator’s grandfather advises him to “overcome ’em with yeses” as a means of survival and resistance in a racially oppressive society. The grandfather understands the power dynamics at play and recognizes that by appeasing and acquiescing to the expectations and demands of the white-dominated world, the narrator can navigate through it more effectively. However, the “yeses” also represent a form of subversion, as they allow the narrator to preserve his inner thoughts, beliefs, and individuality without overtly challenging the status quo. By outwardly complying while maintaining his own agency, the narrator can gradually chip away at the oppressive structures, eventually finding his voice and asserting his identity on his own terms.