Gilbert’s heritage means that he’s experienced racism in multiple forms, both as a black man in a colony ruled by white imperialists, and by observing his father’s inability to fit in among either Jews or Christians. That Gilbert immediately likens his family’s history to the plight of the European Jews shows his innate sense of empathy. Rather than pitying himself for his troubles, he considers how they link him to other people. This trait differentiates him from characters like Bernard, whose grievances make them insensitive to the views of others.