Monday, February 27, 2012

The Racial Mountain

After reading Langston Hughes' manifesto for the Harlem Renaissance, please respond to the following questions with thoughtful analysis and use textual reference to support your assertions.

1. What do you infer was the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance, based on this essay?
2. What is Hughes' main argument about one's culture and heritage, and do you agree?
3. What is the racial mountain he refers to? Comment on Hughes' thesis in this essay?

DO NOT merely repeat what someone else has written. You need to read, analyze and speak for yourself.

25 comments:

  1. Based on this essay, I would say that the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was for African Americans to find their talent and let their soul shine through it. Whether that be singing, dancing, instruments, or art. It was meant to be a time period where they could portray themselves and their culture to others. I believe that Langston Hughes main argument about one’s culture and heritage is that, they should be proud of it. Like he said, “I am ashamed for the black poet who says, "I want to be a poet, not a Negro poet."” People should embrace their culture and live in it; let the rest of the world see it’s beauty. Langston Hughes says, "But this is the mountain standing in the way of any true Negro art in America--this urge within the race toward whiteness" meaning that, the racial mountain is the desire of an African American to make an art that would seem to be made by a white person, instead of letting their culture come through in the message.

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  2. I would say that the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance is to find that self pride of the African American culture. They want to show off to the white people that they are more than capable to go above and beyond using their talents. Many of their talents came from music such as blues and jazz. Throughout history black people have been put down and looked down upon because of the color of their skin, but now they have proven that they are talented and have the ability to overcome all the negativity that has been bestowed on their lives. I think that Langston Hughe's main argument is that he wanted his own race to be proud of themselves. Unfortunately, many were ashamed of the color of their skin and many had made acting like a white person a main focus and virtue of their life. I agree with Hughes because by the black people pretending to be something they are not just brings down their own race while favoring the white race. Instead, they need to accept their culture and be proud. The only way to make you seem like a lift you up is to Show some love and have some self respect for your own race. I think the racial mountain refers to as a road block to the African American people because they hsve an urge to get far in life, but they know deep down inside that they want to be more white than black. They feel inferior, therefore they feel the need to live like the succesful white man.

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  3. What I infer about the purpose of the Harlem renaissance based on this essay is that it gave the colored people an opportunity to embrace themselves for who they are. It gave them the freedom and expressiveness that they have been wanting for a long time. Hughes’ main argument was that a colored person must embrace who they are, even if others are not happy about it. He basically said what is commonly heard today that you should “express yourself and not care what others think of you.” I do agree with him because I think it’s important to think that you are beautiful just the way you are. I feel like the way you see yourself is the way others see you as well. It’s important to not care what others think about you because you should be proud of yourself and who you are because you are you, and you are unique. The racial mountain that he refers to is the perception of you, based on your heritage and culture. The mountain is extremely hard to over come because as a human you are worried about what others think of you, and he compares humans self esteem and success to climbing over the mountain. I liked how he did that because I agree with him and think that it is difficult to be yourself because you are constantly being judged but you can climb to the top of the mountain when you finally embrace yourself for who you are and then you can really excel and become who you want to be because you accept yourself.

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  4. I infer that the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was to let a new group of people break free from the norm, and to challenge different types of music, art, and culture. It was a time for the African American race to finally share their talents with the rest of the world. Also it was a time for the African Americans to be proud of their race, and to finally share their creativity in the spotlight. Hughes' main argument throughout this essay was that even though some African Americans were making their name out in the world, there were still those people who were ashamed of their skin color. Talent is not based on the way you look, but on the skills that you share with the world. It doesn't matter if you are white or black talent is talent. If you are a white woman and you have an amazing voice, you have the same amount of talent as a black women with an equally amazing voice. There is one thing that sets apart the musically gifted whites and blacks, emotion. When the African Americans sing of hardships in their Blues you can hear the passion, anger, frustration, and grieving in their voice because they have truly experienced it. "To these the Negro artist can give his racial individuality, his heritage of rhythm and warmth, and his incongruous humor that so often, as in the Blues, becomes ironic laughter mixed with tears." Throughout this essay Hughes refers to a racial mountain over and over again. I interpret this racial mountain as the individual mountain each African American has to get over in order to truly discover themselves. "A very high mountain indeed for the would-be racial artist to climb in order to discover himself and his people." The African Americans had been living, for decades, in a society that looked down upon their race. They were seen as talentless, farm animals, slaves, and inferior. When they were finally set free many of societies feelings toward them stayed the same. The only way African Americans could think of to please the white people was to act just like them. Dress the same, listen to the right music, live in the right kind of house, the right church, etc. The only way for the African Americans to truly discover themselves was to climb over the obstacles of "blending in" toward individuality. Climbing toward their own place in society. Climbing toward the confidence to share their own unique talents. Climbing towards the African Americans rights to share their culture with the rest of the world.

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  5. I inferred, based upon this essay, that the Harlem Renaissance's purpose was to make African Americans feel proud of being black instead of wanting to be white. The Harlem Renaissance made them see that they are beautiful as a whole in their own way and that they shouldn't wish to be something other than what they are. Hughes' main argument about one's culture and heritage is that one should learn to love and embrace their own culture and learn to be proud of where they come from instead of being ashamed of it. Hughes displays this idea plainly when he writes "Why should I want to be white? I am a Negro--and beautiful!", and I completely agree with Hughes. One should be proud of who they are and their heritage, because each person's background is unique and beautiful in its own unique way. I think that the "racial mountain" Hughes refers to is the desire to fit "into the mold of American standardization" and be as little like ones self and as much like the American ideal as possible.

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  6. According to this essay, I think that the Harlem Renaissance was for African Americans to figure out who they really are and find out what was right for them. He thinks that you need to be yourself and not act like other people. I absolutely agree with him. Especially back in that time that is when people needed to be themselves and not care what others thought of themselves. “A very high mountain indeed for the would-be racial artist to climb in order to discover himself and his people” is said by Hughes. To me this means that finding your true self is going to be tough, just like climbing a mountain. When your going up it’s difficult but when you reach the top and make your way back down, that’s when you can look at things, think clearly, and everything gets much easier.

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  7. Based on the essay, I think the Harlem Renaissance's purpose is to have African American's feel proud for who they are and really try to express themselves in their own way. Going back to what Langston said about the negro poet who wanted to write like a white poet..basically saying, " I want to be white." Langston believes that he should be himself and express his own feelings. Langston's big argument is that you should be yourself no matter what and never dismiss your feelings or beliefs based on what you think other people will potray you as. So, yes I agree with langston and believe that no matter the sitatuion you should stick to what and who you are. I think the mountain Langston is talking about is just a wall. A wall blocking the people from being who they should/want to be and instead is keeping them stuck believeing that they should care about what everyone else thinks of them and its changing who they really are.

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  8. After reading this essay I believe that the Harlem Renaissance was mainly based on African Americans finding their inner soul and expressing how and what they feel. The Renaissance helped them express their culture as well as their ancestory. This was a chance for African Americans to not only show off their talent but also prove that they are equal to the white man. Throughout history people of different ethnicity have always been looked down apon. With the Harlem Renaissance these people could imbrace their inner selves and really show that they are equal. “The road for the serious black artist, then, who would produce a racial art is most certainly rocky and the mountain is high.” This expresses how hard it is for a black man or woman to become popular and really express his or her talent. When they are given the chance though they go above and beyond what is expected from them. Hughes main argument about ones culture and heritage is to be comfortable with who you are and were you came from. I agree in a certain sense with what Hughes is arguing. I think that some people have a great heritage and culture and they should embrace and show off what they come from. On the other hand there are people that may not come from the best background. Although this may be hard for those people they have a chance to change what is thought of them. It is hard for them but they can start a new culture for themselves and make their own path. The racial mountain that Hughes describes is that of people wanting to be accepted in others eyes. What does a person have to do in order to fit in and be accepted into a society. I understand this mountain that he is talking because it is very hard to be accepted by others. There are so many people that aren't accepted because of their looks and also their ideals. I feel as if we need to change this so that it is easier to be accepted by others.

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  9. I infer after reading this essay that the Harlem Renaissance was way for the African Americans to embrace themselves. It was to show that they had their own way of making something beautiful. I feel like it had a great impact as well. To me one huge argument would have to be, they are afraid to embrace their culture. '"I would like to be white." And I was sorry the young man said that, for no great poet has ever been afraid of being himself. And I doubted then that, with his desire to run away spiritually from his race, this boy would ever be a great poet. " Here he is proving his point. With the boy thinking he couldn't accomplish anything by being African American is what Hughes was pointing out. I agree with Hughes that they should embrace the beauty of their talents and show it off. I think the racial mountain is a block in peoples mind. They don't think they can amount to the talent that they "white" race can. It's a block saying they can't be as talented, beautiful, or anything wonderful.

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  10. according to this article the negro in middle class or wealthy negro is someone who is ashamed of their negro culture. I believe this is not because they think the white man is better than they are but they see their race as intolerable or someting to ba ashamed of. These middle to upperclass people have been taught that if you act white or at this time "normal" you will fit into society better and will be seen as a person not a negro. For some of the people in middle class and the majority of "common" people they see themselves as proud down to earth negros who believe in celebrating their culture and hertitage. This idea of cultural celebration in the negro race has thrived the musicians and artists in the Harlem rennisance to show people of all colors their talents and what they can offer to not just the entertainment industry but the world.

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  11. I think the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was to let the negro race evolve their own culture separate from what the white men had trained their race to be. It was a time period where they could 'let their hair down' per say and figure out what it is they wanted to do for themselves. Much of their lives had been spent in envy of the white man's freedom and opportunity that they never had a chance to appreciate their own unique culture. I think they were afraid to be themselves because they felt that to be a negro was inferior.
    "One of the most promising of the young Negro poets said to me once, "I want to be a poet--not a Negro poet," meaning, I believe, "I want to write like a white poet"; meaning subconsciously, "I would like to be a white poet"; meaning behind that, "I would like to be white." And I was sorry the young man said that, for no great poet has ever been afraid of being himself."
    Hughes' main argument about ones culture and heritage is that the negro race is not taught to appreciate their roots and culture. They are taught to wish they were white, because they are inferior.
    "One sees immediately how difficult it would be for an artist born in such a home to interest himself in interpreting the beauty of his own people. He is never taught to see that beauty. He is taught rather not to see it, or if he does, to be ashamed of it when it is not according to Caucasian patterns."
    The racial mountain that Hughes refers to is the block that the negro race suffers from. They cannot see past how people see them, and they would rather try to be white, than to prove that being black is just as good. "A very high mountain indeed for the would-be racial artist to climb in order to discover himself and his people." I would infer that Hughes thinks that in order for the negro race to conquer their racial mountain, they have to see past caucasian patterns and view the beauty in their own race, cultures, talents, and heritage.

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  12. The purpose of the Harlem Renaissance can be condensed into the following quote by Langston Hughes, “To these the Negro artist can give his racial individuality, his heritage of rhythm and warmth, and his incongruous humor that so often, as in the Blues, becomes ironic laughter mixed with tears” (2). The Harlem Renaissance presented African Americans with the opportunity to express themselves and their culture without fear of disproval or hatred. At this time, many wealthier African Americans wanted so badly to share in the equality of whites that they chose to reject their heritage and embrace the mainstream white culture. When the Harlem Renaissance began, they often turned their noses to the musicians, artists, and authors who embraced their culture and depicted the suffering, joy, and customs that had so long been hidden within the African American home or forgotten all together. Through this article, Hughes attempted to convince those wealthier African Americans to stop conforming to a standardized society and to recognize and celebrate their personal culture and heritage. Hughes also mentions a racial mountain that emerging African American artists had to climb in order to truly understand their individuality. The mountain is a metaphor for the confidence of the African American. At the bottom of the mountain, the artists are doubtful of their heritage and continue to conform to the white society. As they ascend the mountain, however, they begin to embrace the culture and see the beauty of being an individual. When the peak is finally visible after their long, exhausting climb of inevitable self-doubt, they no longer care if they are criticized or discouraged, for they have finally recognized the amazing wealth their culture offers. Hughes wants each and every African American to discover this wealth and choose to recognize and act as a part of the distinctive, individualistic community.

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  13. The Harlem Renaissance, based on this essay, was a movement of doing what you want. It doesn’t matter what people think. This movement rapidly gained popularity among the African-Americans because they were being held to impossible standards. Langston Hughes is trying to show virtues are inside the person and are not just given to you because of the color of your skin. These virtues are earned as you live your life. No matter how much people try to bring you down or compare you, you should still be happy. Not only happiness, but culture and a sense of pride through your heritage and blood are what should make you happy. Rather than envying what people have and what you don’t, you should own and love who you are. I agree with this because there are certain things in your life you cannot change, therefore you should be satisfied with it rather than hating it. The racial mountain that Langston Hughes refers to in his essay is the challenge of opposition. People may not agree or they might outright oppose what you are trying to do with your sense of self-pride, which can bring you down and make the trek to happiness difficult, but in the end it will be worth it.

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  14. After reading this article I think the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was to encourage colored Americans to embrace their culture. All their lives they had been taught even by their own families that the white ways were superior, but finally as these new artists began arising, they were able to discover their true potential. They were able to rise above the habits and hearings of being put down and told they weren't good enough until finally their culture was accepted and even encouraged and this was something they had never known before. I think that Hughes main argument for culture is to just accept the place where you come from and embrace the person you are. He says, "And I was sorry the young man said that, for no great poet has ever been afraid of being himself." He is saying that in order to be the best you can be, you can't be someone else. The racial mountain that Hughes refers to is the desire "to be as little Negro and as much American as possible." He is saying that the biggest thing you have to overcome is accepting you for you, and not trying to be something your not.

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  15. In my opinion, the purpose of the article was to express the developement and realizaton of black culture. For so long, African American culture had been surpressed by white people where it got the point the black people tried the best they could to be white. However, this was only because they had never had an opportunity to have their own culture. Now that they have the opportunity, there is a growing rift between those that want white culture and those that want to create their own black culture. It is a tough battle between what the outside, 'proper' world is showing you to be be correct, and what your own people are doing. Langston Hughes is disappointed with black people who think themselves white and dont indulge in their own culture. he says its a shame and that the culture should let itself build and become what it is today. A nationwide, cultural acheivment in music, literature, and art.

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  16. Based on “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain,” I think that the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was to show beauty of art no matter the artist, white or black. This was a period of time when art and creativity was a huge deal; a way for people to express themselves. African Americans during this time took chances. They put themselves out there for the world to see. I think this was self-pride in their race, art, and culture. Langston Hughes argument is those truly great artists are the ones not afraid to take chances and express themselves to society. Because African Americans are judged by society, he wants to prove that no matter what you do in life, make a difference in the world and take a chance with out fear or shame. “We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, it doesn’t matter.” This quote mean when you put yourself out there in the open don’t be afraid of what people will say or think; be confident within yourself. The racial mountain that Hughes refers to is overcoming the fear or being judged or treated badly. He says that when putting yourself on an edge; don’t be scared of what will happen because it will only make you weaker. Be an individual and a strong one at that. People’s opinions don’t matter. “We build out temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.”

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  17. I think the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was all about blascks being proud of their heritage for once. They had a whole new outlook on life and started to really appreiciate their own culture. It was an uprising of pride and courage that made them feel more equal and american in their own special ways. They rose above the norm and earned whites respect in the world. Hughes believed that it was best to embrace your culture and be proud of where you come from. He wants you to make the best out of your life and love yourself for who you are. He said, “express yourself and not care what others think of you.” This quote explains perfectly that he wanted blacks to love themselves and do what they wanted to without caring about people judging them. This radical movement that Hughes is talking about is the hard battle to climb over and do something new that is against the norm. It is the acceptance of your culture and when you pass this mountain, great things will happen. He reffers to the mountain as a struggle to deal with what you were given with and to make the best out of it.

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  18. I beleive that the Harlem renaissance was a movement in which African Americans could express their work and voices without the opressions and denial of a segregated society. Langston Hughes criticized both blacks and whites for allowing this racial injustice to occur for so long. Individuality is the key to progress and Hughes criticizes a fellow black poet by saying "And I doubted then that, with his desire to run away spiritually from his race, this boy would ever be a great poet". No matter how much hate and scrutiny one gets, they must express themselves for what they believe in and this is the mountain that Hughes mentions in his writing. "The road for the serious black artist, then, who would produce a racial art is most certainly rocky and the mountain is high". Their would be many obstacles for the strong minded artists who fought for equality however it is this idea that strengthened the unity between races. Hughes also preeches that it is better to be respected than pitied. He didn't want white people to feel sorry for what they had done or to try work for their forgiveness but he wanted his race to be respected in that they fought for everything they would eventually have."O, be respectable, write about nice people, show how good we are," say the Negroes. "Be stereotyped, don't go too far, don't shatter our illusions about you, don't amuse us too seriously". The Harlem renaissance was an idea of expressing individuality. Write whatever poem you want or sing whatever song you want to. Only at this time will the wall of segregation begin to be brought down. This is why I think a diverse society cannot strive for greatness without the personal opinions of the people and the competitive drive to be the best no matter what race, color, ethnicity, or religion. Hughes and overall the Harlem renaissance began to break down the dividing mountain of segregation and bridge the gap between a once racial and indifferent society.

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  19. I think the purpose of this essay is to show that the Harlem Renaissance was to show America that being black didn’t make you a non-American and that they made America have so many different heritages. It also showed that it was okay to be black and you should love yourself. “They furnish a wealth of colorful, distinctive material for any artist because they still hold their own individuality in the face of American standardization.” This quote to me tells me that everyone makes up America and that is what is so special about America because everyone has the chance to be great. I think that Langston Hughes is trying to say that you should be happy to be whatever background or heritage you are; because you are who you are. Just live the best you can by embracing yourself. I agree with Hughes’ opinion because you should always be proud of yourself. The mountain that Hughes talks about is that no matter what you do, you will always care about something else’s opinion. They had to push all of the white peoples comments about them who didn’t want to see them succeeding and go for what they really wanted, and deserved.

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  20. Based on this essay I inferred the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was for all African Americans to feel comfortable in their own skin. To achieve this every single African American needs to accept their differences and from their express their spirit and heritage that derives in each individual. The Harlem renaissance wants to protect the African American mood and soul before the white American ego engulfs it. Hughes main argument over one’s culture and heritage is to not try to please all Americans. This will eventually lead the individual to find his true passions and ideals that came from his own people. The racial mountain he refers to acts the mountain we have to climb to overcome the pressures that will lead our purposes in the wrong direction. The racial mountain is about accepting who you are to find who you really are.

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  21. The purpose of the Harlem Renaissance, I believe, was to give African Americans the opportunity to express themselves authentically through the Arts. Hughes argument was that by trying to be more like Caucasians, Negros lost the quality of their artistic talents. I completely agree with him on this because anytime people are not authentic, or they are trying to be like someone else, they lose what makes them unique and special. When Hughes says, “He is never taught to see that beauty. He is taught rather not to see it, or if he does, to be ashamed of it when it is not according to Caucasian patterns.” The racial mountain Negros were trying to climb was the mountain of shame about who they were, and fear about expressing themselves authentically. Not only did the African Americans not feel respected by whites, they didn’t feel respected by their own race either. It seems like not having respect for themselves was an even bigger problem than not having the respect of white Americans. Hughes states, “Both would have told Toomer not to write “Cane.” The colored people did not praise it. The white people did not buy it.” It’s almost like black artists were stuck in the middle. They were kind of in limbo not able to be black, but not capable of being white. Finally, Hughes is saying that when the young Negro artists begin to express themselves authentically and without fear, that is when the real beauty of their art will shine through.

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  22. Based on this essay, I think that the Harlem Renaissance was for African Americans to express who they really were in their own way. Hughes said that you should “express yourself and not care what others think of you.” This is one of his main arguments. I agree with him because everybody has their weaknesses and talents. Your skin color shouldn’t keep people from being successful. I know this is not a very good comparison but in high school everyone focuses on what their self image is according to the popular kids, but really they shouldn’t care what others think. Just be yourself! This is kind of what Hughes was trying to say in this essay. I think the mountain Hughes talks about just represents a huge trial that colored people had to get over back then. It was hard to get out and show your talents especially when you are so used to being quiet and doing what you were told.

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  24. I think the Harlem Renaissance, based on this essay, is a movement for the negro to try and find their passion and become known in the world as not a black person but just as a person. In some ways Langston Hughes might agree because through his words he made himself known as a poet who spoke a lot about what the blacks would have to do to known in the white society. Yet he believed in the fact that you shouldn't just tune out what happened in your past, and instead, use that as a way to fuel your passion towards your future. The racial mountain that he refers to might be you as a black trying to make it in a white society and instead of creating violence you cope with each other no matter what the color of your skin is. I Believe that Langston Hughes thoughts on the Harlem Renaissance is truly shown in all of his works and really is toward telling people to conquer the racial mountain and to become known in society as a person.

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  25. Based on this essay, I think that the purpose of the Harlem Renaissance was to open up peoples eyes and see the world from a new perspective. The Harlem Renaissance shifted the way people saw African Americans and allowed them to stand on their own and shine for the first time. The author states, " Thus, shifting the center means putting at the center of our thinking the experiences of groups that have formerly been excluded." The Harlem Renaisaance spotlighted the lives of African American's and finally gave them a chance to show the rest of the world who they are and no longer be defined only by their skin color. Hugh's main argument about one's culture and heritage is that you were born to be yourself and you cannot change it even if you always wish if you were born another way. He believes that you must always express yourself and not care about other peoples negative opinions. I do agree with Hugh's that, "learning about other groups helps you realize the partiality of your own perspective..." People must learn about all different cultures in order to stop being one sided and only see one point of view. The racial mountain that Hugh's refers to is seeing other people as equals and African American's seeing themselves as equals to other races. Hugh's thesis in this essay is very powerful because shifting the center means many things but most importantly it means to open of your view of others and be willing to learn.

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