In "A Worn Path," how might Phoenix be considered to be in the grip of large and indifferent social and political forces?

Not only is Phoenix facing the forces of nature that range
against her, the more powerful and disturbing forces that she has to endure illustrate
the larger forces of society and politics that indicate the racism that impedes Phoenix
at every turn. When I first read the story, the two most disturbing examples of racism
for me was when the hunter "lifted his gun and pointed it at Phoenix." It is clear that
he has no intention of firing the gun at her, which in a sense makes it worse, because
he is treating violence as a joke.

Secondly, and perhaps
more shocking in a sense, although it is less violent, it is clear from the way in which
Phoenix is treated when she finally makes it to the doctor's surgery that she has to
face massive prejudice. Note how she is treated when she
arrives:

"A
charity case, I suppose," said an attendant, who sat at the desk before her... "Speak
up, Grandma... What's your name? We must have your history, you know. Have you been here
before? What seems to be the trouble with you? ... Are you deaf?" cried the
attendant.

It is clear from
the way that the attendant patronises Phoenix that she, and all African Americans like
her, are in the grip of massive social and political forces designed to keep them an
oppressed minority, excluded from the same human decency that whites are entitled
to.