I Too by Langston Hughes is a unique poem that speaks to the complex journey facing African Americans in the early twentieth century. As Hughes highlights throughout the poem, this journey was fraught with racism and difficult living situations. In order to contextualize the poem and its powerful theme, this article examines the history of African American oppression and Hughes’ life as a groundbreaking writer. Additionally, the article explores the poem’s central theme, which is the triumph of African American spirit over racism and social injustice.
History of African American Oppression
African Americans in the early twentieth century lived in a world defined by oppressive laws, racial discrimination, and false beliefs about African American capabilities. While formal laws to end segregation in the United States had already been enacted in 1865, racial segregation persisted for several more decades. Throughout the beginning of the twentieth century, African Americans were denied basic civil liberties such as the right to vote, and many were still subject to violence and lynching. This clearly had a substantial effect on Langston Hughes and his work.
Langston Hughes’ Writing
Langston Hughes’s writing centered on the experience of African Americans in the United States. His work often explored issues such as racism and social injustice. His most famous piece, I Too, focuses on these issues as subtext within the poem. The poem also speaks to the challenge African Americans faced in fitting into a segregated society. As Hughes’s writing dealt with complex contemporary issues, it often earned him considerable public criticism. Despite the criticism, Hughes’s work was highly influential and celebrated in the literary world.
Theme of I Too by Langston Hughes
The poem is an ode to the resilience of African American spirit and courage. Throughout his poem, Hughes speaks to the difficulties that African Americans face and how they are often unfairly denied basic rights. The core theme of the poem is how African Americans must unite together in order to achieve freedom and recognition in a world dominated by racism. Despite this difficult reality, the spotlight is placed on the beauty and resilience of African American spirit through the poem. For example, the first line states “I, too, sing America.” This line acts as a clear affirmation of African American patriotism. Additionally, Hughes speaks to a desire to unify all races, declaring that “tomorrow, I’ll be at the table when company comes.” This is an example of how he sought to unite all races in a spirit of understanding and appreciation.
Positive Impact of I Too by Langston Hughes
The poem I Too had a positive impact on the African American community. Hughes’s work empowered many African Americans in the early twentieth century to stand up for their rights and to fight for greater acceptance in a world that was filled with racism. His work also provided a sense of unity and hope, showing African Americans that they could still have pride in their country and their place in society, even in the face of tremendous adversity.
Contextual Analysis of I Too
By understanding the history of African American oppression, we can better contextualize the poem I Too by Langston Hughes. Despite all of the difficulties, Hughes found solace and hope in his writing. He celebrates the courage of African Americans and their fight for recognition in a world filled with racism. Through his poem, he emphasizes the beauty of African American spirit, their ability to overcome adversity, and their determination to achieve equal rights. This message of hope and resilience can still be seen today in the African American community.
Cultural Relevance of I Too
I Too by Langston Hughes is still relevant to the African American community today. African Americans are still facing racism and discrimination, and are still fighting for basic civil rights. Hughes’s poem serves as a reminder to African Americans to have strength in their convictions and to fight for their rights. Additionally, the poem serves to unite all Americans together, emphasizing the need to ensure that everyone has the same rights and privileges regardless of race or ethnicity.
Preservation and Celebration of Langston Hughes Writing
In order to honor Langston Hughes and his work, his writing is still widely celebrated today. His work is a part of many educational curriculums, and his poems are still studied and admired by people around the world. Additionally, cultural icons like President Barack Obama often reference Hughes’s work in order to commemorate his legacy. By preserving and celebrating Hughes’s work, we can ensure that his message of hope and resilience will continue to have an impact on the African American community for generations to come.
Conclusion of I Too by Langston Hughes
In conclusion, the poem I Too by Langston Hughes is an ode to the resilience and courage of the African American community. The poem speaks to the realities of racism and segregation faced by African Americans in the early twentieth century. Hughes’s words are still relevant today and continue to be a source of hope and inspiration for the African American community. His writing serves to unite all Americans in the shared pursuit of civil rights and encourages everyone to stand up for what is right.
Exploring Employment Discrimination during That Time
African Americans faced a number of hurdles when it came to employment in the early twentieth century. Not only were African Americans less likely to be hired for positions, when they were employed there were still restrictions on their work and wages. African Americans were often relegated to the most menial and lowest-paid jobs, and they rarely had the opportunity to move up the ladder. This form of employment discrimination had a huge impact on the African American community, and it is one that Hughes was all-too familiar with in his lifetime.
The Use of Metaphor in I Too
Woven throughout the poem I Too is a number of powerful metaphors. Hughes speaks of the “darker brother,” which represents the oppressed African Americans, and the “richer brother,” which symbolizes the white population that often oppresses African Americans. Additionally, Hughes uses the metaphor of a “table” to represent the divisions between the people. These metaphors emphasize the reality of segregation and racism and act as a subtext for the poem itself.
The Lack of Education for African Americans
African Americans were also denied access to education. This was especially true during the early twentieth century, when many states had Literacy Tests and Grandfather Clauses in place to prevent African Americans from voting. The lack of education had a tremendous impact on the African American community, and was a direct source of the economic hardship they faced. Without proper education, African Americans were unable to get good jobs and could not work their way out of poverty.
The Courage of African Americans
The poem I Too speaks to the courage and resilience of African Americans in the face of such incredible odds. Despite all of the racism and discrimination, Hughes found solace in his writing. He wanted to send a message to the African American community and to all of America, reminding everyone that equality and justice should always be strived for. The courage of African Americans, showcased in the poem I Too, is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of dispair.
