The relationship between Blanche and Stanley illustrates the prejudice many first or second generation Europeans faced. In late 19th century and early 20th century America, new immigrants from Italy, Ireland, Poland, Greece, Hungary and the Slavic countries occupied a racial middle ground and were considered not 'white enough'. However, Stanley predominantly faces prejudice as a rsult of his class position, rather than his ethnic ambiguity. Thus, the play addresses prejudice based on class more than race, particularly in a post-Harlem Renaissance era where segregation was still prevalent but being contested.