Linder and the
people he represents "dream of the kind of community they want to raise their children
in." They are not wealthy, but probably working-class folk who see Clybourne Park as their
own first step up the ladder of middle-class success.
It is very important
not to demonize Mr. Linder.Hansbury has taken great pains to present him as shy, reasonable, and
in all respects (save one) respectable.He doesn't want to hurt the Youngers, and believes truly
that he is doing the right thing by offering them an option.As he phrases it, the dream of
having a safe place to raise one's children is identical to the dream expressed by Mama.That is
the point.
He does not say or imply that he will not be responsible if
certain elements "get worked up." It is a misreading to suggest that he is making
threats. His last line is not a warning, but a simple "I hope you folks know what you're
doing."
Doubtless Hansbury wanted to avoid alienating white investors
and audience, and so deliberately worked to make Linder a non-threatening character.But by
giving him the language she does, and constructing Linder's arguments as she does, she shows
that the Youngers and their white neighbors-to-be actually have exactly the same
dream.
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