Invisible Man-symbol

The usage of color, especially black and white, became quite apparent throughout the novel. Almost on every page you could spot a subtle instance when a black and white reference was being made. However, the chapter that dealt with Liberty Paints was an instance where Ellison was being perfectly blatant with this mention of color.
Liberty Paints was a direct correlation to the treatment of diverse races in American or white society. "Optic White" is supremacist over all paints, however, in order to concoct such a pure and perfect color, it must be blended with many other dark and distasteful chemicals. But once those substances are added, the mixture produces a flawless white color, hiding any trace of the existing darker colors.
This Optic White paint parallels the world in which Ellison's narrator lives because the components that go into creating it are overlooked, just as the black workers at Liberty Paints are disregarded and they are the ones responsible for generating the products. The minorities are responsible for the flow of society, because of them, things get done; however, they never receive the recognition or appreciation for their work, instead they are glossed over to paint a nicer and more appealing picture.
Optic White paints the idea that it can cover any stain or imperfection; it is so consuming and overwhelming and it ceases to recognize the beauty in diversity. Society, like the paint, is trying to cover the distinctiveness of the black culture; hoping that over time, the identity of the black race will be erased, and their blemish on society can be overcome.