1. Oppression and Discrimination: The rust on the razor represents the harsh realities of racial discrimination and oppression that African Americans faced during the time the memoir is set, in the early 20th century. The razor is a symbol of violence, particularly the violence inflicted upon Black individuals in a society marked by racial prejudice.
2. Physical and Emotional Scars: The rust on the razor suggests the emotional and psychological scars that racism leaves on individuals and communities. It represents the way that discrimination can corrode the spirit and inflict lasting pain on those who experience it.
3. Resistance and Resilience: Despite the hardships and oppressive conditions symbolized by the rusty razor, Maya Angelou's memoir also emphasizes the resilience and strength of Black individuals. The act of using the rusty razor to shave, in spite of its condition, becomes a symbol of defiance against the forces that seek to oppress African Americans.
4. Metaphorical Symbolism: The rust on the razor can be interpreted as a metaphor for the deterioration and decay of institutions and systems that perpetuate racial inequality. It represents the need for change and transformation in order to combat racism and create a more just and equitable society.
Through the symbolism of the rusty razor, Angelou conveys the hardships, struggles, and resilience of African Americans in the face of discrimination and oppression, while also highlighting the urgent need for social transformation.