Context
Langston Hughes was one of America’s greatest poets, renowned for his evocative works that explore the themes of race, racial inequity, and the African-American experience. His poem ‘Passing’ examines the idea of racial identity in a society that was characterized by segregation and prejudice. The poem’s main theme is the struggle of African-Americans to pass as white, and how this concept affects both the individual and society as a whole.
Components of the Poem
The poem is composed of three stanzas and explains the soul-destroying process of trying to ‘pass’ as a white individual in order to escape the racism, discrimination and cultural exclusion faced by African-Americans. In the poem, Huges utilises dramatic irony to provide insight into the struggles of those who pass. The first stanza introduces the idea of ‘passing’, where the speaker says ‘I passed+ with flying colors’. The implication behind this line is that passing is having a successful outcome as if the person is being rewarded for denying their true identity.
The second and third stanzas explore the implications of ‘passing’. The speaker reflects on the idea that their social position depends on their ability to ‘pass’ and how their change of identity has left them feeling numb and hollow. Finally, the last stanza expresses the internal struggle faced by the individual and their sense of mortality, suggesting that passing is not a permanent solution.
Interpretation
The poem serves as a powerful example of the struggle faced by African-Americans in a segregated society. The poem is underpinned by various themes such as identity, resilience, prejudice, loyalty and mortality. The idea of ‘passing’ symbolises the extreme measures taken by those who refuse to accept the racism they experience, yet ultimately pay the price for abandoning their true identity. The poem captures the sense of desperation and disempowerment felt by those who pass, as they face a lifetime of constant vigilance.
The poem serves to highlight the injustices faced by African-Americans, while also celebrating their resilience. It speaks to the complex issue of race and racism and encourages readers to think critically about their own experiences with identity and marginalisation.
Legacy of Hughes and the Poem
Langston Hughes’ works have become iconic in the United States and are a staple in African-American literature. His writings are often praised for their ability to aesthetically depict the social reality of African-Americans in a compelling and vivid manner. Moreover, Hughes has had a significant impact on the nation’s attitude towards race and has been an influential social commentator.
The poem ‘Passing’ has become widely recognised for its exploration of the racial issues faced by African-Americans in a segregated society. It’s an emotive piece, depicting the struggles of passing and has been used as a tool for educating people about the concept of passing and the emotional and psychological issues related to it.
Study of Race in Contemporary Society
Although race discrimination has diminished in many respects since the time of Langston Hughes, it is by no means nominal. In contemporary society, the concept of passing is still used by individuals of colour, in an attempt to assimilate and avoid discrimination. Moreover, the issue of race is still highly contentious in American society.
The growing importance of the study of race in contemporary society is evident from the fact that more universities are offering courses on the subject. These range from examining structural issues of race and inequality, to investigating how racism operates in our daily lives. Additionally, the rise of social media and globalisation has made it possible for individuals to widen their perspectives on race, as well as draw connections between racism and international events.
Importance of Langston Hughes’ Poem
Langston Hughes’ poem ‘Passing’ is a timeless work of literature that is highly relevant in today’s world. The poem speaks to the painful realities of racial discrimination and provides a valuable insight into how racism is experienced and perceived. Through its exploration of the complex issue of passing and its implications, it encourages its readers to think critically about their own experiences with race and discrimination.
The poem can also be used as a powerful tool for education and understanding of the African-American experience, as well as the broader issue of race and racism. Ultimately, ‘Passing’ serves as a reminder of the emotional and psychological struggles faced by those who pass and speaks to the importance of embracing one’s true identity, no matter how hard it may be.
Examples of Passing
The idea of ‘passing’ applies to minorities from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In recent years, there have been numerous examples of individuals who have chosen to ‘pass’ in order to escape discrimination. The most notable example of this is Barack Obama, the former US president, who chose to identify as African-American and black, despite being of mixed-race heritage. This decision was met with mixed reactions and highlighted the complexities of race identity.
Additionally, actor Sir Ben Kingsley has famously chosen to ‘pass’ as an Indian in several of his major film roles. While his portrayal of Indian characters was praised by some, it also sparked controversy as some argued that it undermined the efforts of actors of Indian heritage to find work. This example serves as a reminder that ‘passing’ as another race is a complex issue that can have far-reaching implications.
Critique of Passing
The concept of ‘passing’ has been met with much criticism in recent years, primarily for its perpetuation of racial stereotypes and its perpetuation of the notion that one race is superior to another. In this way, it reinforces the idea that minorities must erase their ‘otherness’ in order to be accepted and granted the same rights and privileges as those who are identified as white. Furthermore, there is an inherent danger in ‘passing’ as it denies the person their authentic identity.
Additionally, some argue that ‘passing’ is a form of ‘cultural appropriation’ in which one group adopts the customs, culture and even physical attributes of another group. This phenomenon has been fiercely debated in recent years as it has been argued that it diminishes the distinctiveness of each culture, as well as the individual’s rights to self-determination and representation.
Effect on Mental Health
The psychological effects of ‘passing’ have long been debated. While the notion of ‘passing’ is often associated with escaping discrimination, the reality is that it can be a highly stressful experience for individuals. As ‘passing’ often involves denying one’s true identity and concealing parts of oneself, it can lead to feelings of isolation and self-denial. Furthermore, it can lead to decreased confidence and a sense of being ostracised from one’s true identity.
Additionally, recent studies have suggested that ‘passing’ can have an effect on mental health. It has been suggested that the constant pressure to maintain one’s secret identity can lead to an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. This underscores the importance of supporting individuals who feel the need to ‘pass’ in order to escape discrimination.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes’ poem ‘Passing’ is a complex and emotive work that captures the struggles of those who are trying to escape racial discrimination. The poem has become highly recognised for its exploration of the concept of ‘passing’ and its implications, serving as an important reminder to those engaging with the issue of race. Furthermore, it highlights the complexities of race identity and brings to the fore the psychological implications of ‘passing’ on individuals. Ultimately, the poem serves to commemorate the resilience of those who have chosen to ‘pass’ in order to survive in a highly segregated society.
