Metaphor in Mr. Z

Mr. Z seems to be a man who struggles with who he is. Sometimes people feel that in order to get ahead, they can't embrace their heritage. I feel that Holman really places the blame on both the man and the society, but mainly the society. He says that this man had success ditching his African American heritage. The metaphor "An airborne plant, flourishing without roots," explains this perfectly. He still became great, even though he didn't have his roots. He was freed of his roots, his color and race, and was able to fly. So, within this metaphor, it seems the author is placing the blame on society.