The topic that both Malcolm X in Hair and Langston Hughes in Theme for English B are talking about is the subject of identity. However, the views of each person on the definition of “identity” are very different, despite the fact that they are both African Americans. In Hair, Malcolm X talks about his experience of getting a “conk,” a hairstyle trend that many white boys had, and how he realized a long time afterward, that his desire to get a conk was a form of self-degradation. He had realized that by getting the conk, he had submitted to the white culture and considered the African American culture to be inferior to the white culture. Thus, Malcolm X, defined “identity” as an ethnicity.
But, in Theme for English B, Langston Hughes shows us a very different view on “identity.” First of all, I think Langston Hughes considers whites and blacks to be the same American people. Towards the end of the poem he states, “You are white- yet a part of me, as I am a part of you. That’s American.” (Hughes 31-33) Therefore, Langston Hughes doesn’t think “identity” is a matter of where you are from and what color your skin is, but something else. In the beginning and end of the poem, Langston Hughes describes himself a lot. He talks about where he lives, how Harlem has affected his culture, and what he likes to do. These are the types of things that Langston Hughes believes create an identity. Langston Hughes considers every aspect of a person’s life to conform that individual’s identity. This can also be seen from the line, “I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like the same things other folks like who are other races.” (Hughes 25-26) Thus, Hughes believes that there is nothing that’s normal or liked in some cultures that shouldn’t be liked or accepted in other cultures. He only views people as human beings, not “blacks” or “whites” or “Asians”, but just people, who might have common things that they share, but very different things as well. But, those things that each person shares and doesn’t share are the elements that conform an “identity.”
Jeffrey:
답글삭제Your reflection was original and very interesting to read. The ideas that you presented definitely go into a great amount of depth, and it's clear to see that you fully understand what you are talking about. I liked how you compared the action of getting a "conk" to "submitting to white culture," and how you concluded that Malcolm X considers a person's ethnicity the defining feature of their identity. I also agree with you in that Langston Hughes seems to take a broader approach and considers identity to be what they have experienced and what they can share with the world. The idea that your identity is whatever you have to offer those around you definitely gives food for thought. I don't have any corrections to make to this reflection. Well done, and keep up the good work!
In your reflection you ponder upon the comparison between the identity that Malcolm talks about and what is Langston beliefs on identity. After reading your reflection it gave me a better understanding of what Langston was trying to say about his identity and that how different it is to what Malcolm says about identity. After reading you reflection i agree with you that Malcolm said that identity comes with your ethnicity and that ethnicity creates a part of who you are. While Langston talks about how how you act and what you like and your experiences create your identity, and that people of different races can have the same interest as other races. I specially like the quote that you choose by Langston, “I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like the same things other folks like who are other races.” because it is exactly what you talked about in your reflection. good job.
답글삭제