Speak Out Network
African American Literature
I have found something in African American literature that has truly ignited a desire to become more intimate with the cultural and social struggles embodying a nations checkered past and an unfortunate relationship built on racial ambivalence, xenophobia, exploitation and hatred. I read and become confused. This confusion illuminates my own racial ambivalence but percolating beneath the surface is a clarity that will not only enrich my life but the quality of relations I forge with others in a multicultural society. I seek to end detachment.
I would like to begin a discussion on the African American novels that have affected you and in what way they have changed your perception. Let's bring the works of James Baldwin, W.E.B. Dubois, Ralph Ellison to life in this forum. I look forward to it!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Zachary Little on -
I have not read this book. Most of the books I have read are fiction, but there are some prophetic links between the character Ras the Exhorter in Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and the sentiments of the Black Panther party.
Tyler Burn said:Uh Revolutionary Suicide ..for me
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Permalink Reply by Tessa Byrd on -
Zachery...it is good to highlight these great American writers, I learned they are all but forgotten and unfamiliar to students today. I agree discussion and inclusion is most relevant to the educational experience of students today and wonder at their exclusion.
"Invisible Man"....Ellison"s attempt at great American Literature is oh so enlightening and should be required reading if not at high school level at college level for sure.
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Permalink Reply by Zachary Little on
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Thanks for the kind words, Tessa. It seems more and more imperative that within a multicultural society that unfortunately identifies itself within a rigid definition of American, that we teach our youth that assimilation can and progressively occur with the political framework of democracy, but that does not entail that our cultural identities and authenticity should be shaped by this rigid definition of American; a definition that is unfortunately underpinned by exceptionalism. Ellison does a wonderful job in Invisible Man of giving a lucid account of this absurdity and providing a resounding call for our identity to be shaped by our own authenticity.
Tessa Byrd said:Zachery...it is good to highlight these great American writers, I learned they are all but forgotten and unfamiliar to students today. I agree discussion and inclusion is most relevant to the educational experience of students today and wonder at their exclusion.
"Invisible Man"....Ellison"s attempt at great American Literature is oh so enlightening and should be required reading if not at high school level at college level for sure.
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Permalink Reply by Tessa Byrd on
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You are most welcome Zachery, I am pleased by your presence!...Just a few of my thoughts on Ellison's "Invisible Man"...
The description of you as “invisible because people refuse to see you.” Profound is the realization that people do or do not choose to acknowledge you and that you are powerless in this circumstance. What is this comparable to?
Ellison surmised that “humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat”. He affirmed that although invisible it was more than incumbent upon him to have a presence in the world, be felt by society. To claim his “humanity” “I have been hurt to the point of abysmal pain, hurt to the point of invisibility and I defend because in spite of all I find that I love. In order to get some of it down I have to love”. The Black soul encompasses and embodies love.
Ellison also speaks to resultant behavior of such treatment, irresponsibility, “agree them to death and destruction” I believe that in this he is saying take no responsibility for anything. Acquiesce to a lack of recognition and maltreatment by agreeing (which in light of all the evil that has come before) will surely result in their death and destruction. “The real soul sickness, the spear in the side” is the thought by you that you are to blame for this madness which drives and compels irresponsibility. This description is oh so poignant, a real soul sickness which is evident in Black people and directly attributable to many of the sad and sorry situations we find ourselves in. I believe many of us have become dulled and blunted to our surroundings and have essentially given up. We will assume no responsibility, or only a portion of it. This is sad and not at all our destiny.
“Irresponsibility is part of my invisibility; any way you face it, it is denial. But to whom can I be responsible, and why should I be, when you refuse to see me? Responsibility rest on recognition and recognition is a form of agreement”.
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