The setting of the narrative elements and the conflict contribute to the theme that the values ​​of society and the individual determine the acceptance of others. The book "I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings", by Maya Angelou, is set in Stamps, Arkansas and San Francisco, California. In Stamps, Mayans and African Americans are treated as inferior and are not accepted in society. For example, when Annie Henderson, or mom, was given the title “Mrs.” and the “Whites” laughed at the title given, says Maya, “I only saw her power and strength… Wasn't she the only Negro woman in Stamps who was once referred to as Madam? … The whites tickled their funny bones… The blacks thought it demonstrated their valor and majesty” (Angelou 47 - 48). Racist whites valued their superiority over African Americans, so they did not accept mom as a person of high authority receiving the title "Mrs". However, African Americans appreciated Momma's power, authority, and strength, so they accepted her as Mrs. Henderson. White racism was not just in Arkansas, but everywhere. For example, Maya says, “Stamps, Arkansas...