Analysis Of The Word Black By Langston Hughes - 827 Words

We are affected in many ways based on race and social status. It is how we over come these challenges, that makes us who we are. The question is what is wrong with black? I read an essay by Langston Hughes in which he breaks down the use of the word black. This essay provides the idea of how the word black creates a negative impression of African Americans. I found this essay rather interesting and biased in some cases, but it is an essay I feel everyone should read. In this essay he uses explains what the word black really means and the negative connotation that is sometimes attached to it. He stated how(709-710)†white folks have done used that word to mean something bad so often until now when the N.A.A.C.P. asks for civil rights for†¦show more content†¦Even though some may want to argue this label, it is what it is and will not change anytime soon. We have lived for decades with the title but it is disturbing to realize the many negative connotations associated wit h it. (710) â€Å"Black cats, mean bad luck.† (710) â€Å"Black is bad.† To further discuss this I read an article online by Jacci Howard Bear, called Black. In this article Jackie broke down the word Black and showed the good and bad of this adjective. In most Western countries black is the color of mourning. Among young people, black is often seen as a color of rebellion. Black is both positive and negative. It is the color for little boys in China. Black, especially combined with orange is the color of Halloween. In early Westerns the good guy wore white while the bad guy wore black. But later on good guys wore black to lend an air of mystery to them. He felt that the color black conveys elegance, sophistication, or perhaps a touch of mystery. There are good black words that Langston failed to mention. A black belt, which embraces the idea of expert or top in class, highest level of skill attainable. Langston actually added on to the good use of the word black by us ing statements like, (711) â€Å"the earth is black and all good things come from the earth. Trees, flowers and food; however that keeps men alive and healthy come from this source. Coals areShow MoreRelatedReoccurring Themes in the Work of Langston Hughes Essay1649 Words   |  7 PagesLangston Hughes is an extremely successful and well known black writer who emerged from the Harlem Renaissance (â€Å"Langston Hughes† 792). He is recognized for his poetry and like many other writers from the Harlem Renaissance, lived most of his life outside of Harlem (â€Å"Langston Hughes† 792). His personal experiences and opinions inspire his writing intricately. Unlike other writers of his time, Hughes expresses his discontent with black oppression and focuses on the hardships of his people. Hughes’Read MoreLiterary Analysis Of Langston Hughes s The Road 1402 Words   |  6 PagesRoad by Langston Hughes. 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