African American writers critique America
African American writers critique America
Introduction
A wide range of people including poets and scholars have written about America. The writers have examined different events that have happened in the American history and the impact that they have had on citizens. America is a diverse country and its citizens have been affected by the events differently. Some of the important events in American history include civil rights struggles, civil war and racial discrimination. The events affected the whites and blacks differently. Blacks were adversely affected by racial discrimination, and this led to the formation of the civil rights movements. The African American civil rights movements fought for the rights of the blacks. Writers such as King advocated for the rights of the blacks. Martin criticized US for not being true to what it had written in the constitution. King campaigned to end racial discrimination, injustices and inequality in the American society. Other authors such as McKay have also criticized US for its effect on African Americans. McKay has expressed mixed reaction towards America. He loves the country as he depends on it, but hates it due to mistreatment and suffering of blacks (McKay & Gates 2004).
Discussion
African American writers introduce different critique for the United States. McKay and King have written different essays to criticize the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. and McKay have criticized US for racism and not living up to its ideal. McKay wrote the poem, America to criticize the United States for racism. The poem America examines racism in US and the impact it had on African Americans (McKay & Gates 2004).Hatred and love are the most intense feelings that an individual can experience during his or her life time. The emotions are different and have a different effect on a person. Both emotions can influence a person’s behavior differently. The emotions can drive an individual to behavioral extremes. The reader experiences both emotions in the poem, America. In the poem, McKay experiences both emotions when examining America. McKay has mixed feelings when it comes to America and the social norms of the American society during that time. He hates America and at the same time loves the country.
The poem was published in 1921, and this was an interesting time for the Americans. America participated in, the First World War before 1921, and this had a devastating effect on America. However, America ended the First World War in august 1921 after declaring peace with Germany. Harding’s Warren, the US president signed a joint congressional resolution and ended the war with Germany, Austria and Hungary. Though Americans celebrated the end of the First World War, African Americans did not. Racism was common in America during this time especially in the south. The blacks living in the south were greatly discriminated against. Blacks were treated differently from the whites, and they did not enjoy any rights. McKay lived in the south after migrating from Jamaica, and he faced similar problems like other blacks, discrimination. The mixed emotions depicted by the blacks during this time are shown in the poem (McKay & Gates 2004).
McKay expresses his disdain for US but also expresses his reliance on America. McKay claims that United States feeds him the bread of bitterness. McKay recognizes that he depends on America like a baby depends on his mother. America is the only source of food for McKay, although the food provided is bitter (McKay & Gates 2004).
McKay statements at the beginning of the poem show the feelings the blacks had during this time. America gave the blacks equal rights and were supposed to be treated like other citizens in the country. However, the blacks living in the South had limited rights. America ensured the blacks were accorded equal rights, but the rights were limited. This resulted to bitterness among the blacks residing in the South. The unequal treatment of the blacks during this time drained away their spirit and hindered them from prospering like the whites. The blacks felt that America drained life from their spirit as exemplified by McKay statements in the poem (McKay & Gates 2004). Mc Kay claims that he felt as the country was draining the life from his spirit when he states:
“…[America] sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth…”(McKay & Gates 2004).
“…Stealing my breath of life, I will confess…” (McKay & Gates 2004).
Though racism in America affected blacks negatively, McKay still loves the country. McKay claims that he loves America though it tests his youth. McKay has mixed feelings for America as shown by his choice of words. McKay uses words such as cultured hell to depict his negative attitude towards America and love to show his positive feelings. McKay appreciates the physical and intellectual challenges that the country presented to him and other blacks during this period. McKay acknowledges that America vigor flows in his blood like tides and gives him strength to overcome the hate. McKay used the strength provided by America to fight racial hate that was common in America. However, McKay finds it hard to fight racism and inequality in America as his stand is insignificant in the fight for equality. McKay argues that a single person cannot resist the strength of the flood water as it flows over the land. McKay expresses the uselessness of a single person standing against the history of the country alone. McKay does not renounce advocating for the rights of blacks and equality (McKay & Gates 2004).
McKay stands firm to defend the rights of blacks and bring equality. He stands firm before the racist ideal held by the society like a rebel would proudly stand before a king. The rebel stands boldly before the king because is protected by the law. McKay believes that the first amendment of the US constitution has granted him freedom of speech. Hence, he can stand before a governing authority in the society. However, the most people in the Southern society did not believe in the king’s ideal and instead promoted hate. This is exemplified by the prevalence of discrimination and racism in the South. Southern encouraged racism and discrimination though the government promoted equality. The government granted all citizens equal rights in the constitution regardless of their race. McKay believes that the American society will fade away like other great civilizations faded (McKay & Gates 2004).
Further, King used his speech I’ve been to the mountaintop to criticized America. King delivered the speech on 3rd April, 1968 at the mason Temple in Memphis Tennessee. The speech revolves around the Memphis Sanitation strike. King used the speech to call for unity, boycotts, and economic actions and non nonviolent protects. He also used the speech to call America to live up to its ideals as exemplified by his words
“… All we say to America is, “Be true to what you said on paper…” (McKay & Gates 2004).
King does not have mixed feelings of America like McKay, and instead has a negative feeling of America. King feels that America does not live according to its principles due to injustice and inequality. King does not support the social injustices and inequality that have affected blacks and hindered them from being productive and successful. King examined a wide range of issues that affected Americans in 1968. Injustice was common in America especially Memphis in 1968. Memphis did not encourage fairness and honest when dealing with civil servants (sanitation employees). However, the injustices in the society have not been addressed due to poor reporting by the media. The media did not report the sanitation employees strike, and this forced King and the sanitation workers to march so as to convey the message. King claimed that over 1300 children suffered and did not have food (McKay & Gates 2004).
Further, King examined the civil rights struggle in his speech. Civil rights movement like the African American civil rights movement fought for equality in United States. The movement campaigned for outlaw of racial discrimination and restoration of black rights such as voting. The United States constitution granted citizens different rights including freedom of speech and press. However, the blacks did not enjoy the rights granted in the constitution due to racial discrimination and inequality. King challenged America to be true to what it sated in the constitution. King claimed that America did not protect the rights of the citizens and protest for the rights. Instead, America encouraged discrimination and racism. King argued that nothing would stop them from fighting for their rights. In addition, King examined the economic status of blacks in the country. The discrimination and social injustices had led to increase in poverty rate among African Americans. King asserted that African Americans were poor than the whites in the country. The blacks had limited job opportunities, and this made them more poor compared to whites. As a result, King campaigned for fair treatment of blacks in America. He acknowledged that American Negro are richer than many countries in the world as evidenced by his statement below:
“…the American Negro collectively is richer than most nations of the world…” (McKay & Gates 2004).
Blacks have an income of over $ 30 billion annually which is greater than US exports and Canada budget. King encouraged for treatment of blacks in the industries. He called for the withdrawal of the economic support from the whites (McKay & Gates 2004).
Conclusion
In conclusion, McKay and King have introduced different critiques for America. The writers have criticized America differently and have different feelings for America. Mc Kay has a feeling of hate and love for America. He acknowledges and supports what America has dined for its citizens including blacks. Blacks like him depend on America for food. America has also granted all citizens equal rights. However, the food provided by America is that of bitterness. Though America encourages equality and focuses on protecting citizen rights, discrimination and inequality are common. Blacks suffered greatly in 1921 due to discrimination and inequality. Southern blacks were discriminated by whites in the South. The sufferings lead to a feeling of hatred among blacks. King also examines the challenges African American faced in 1968 like discrimination. Discrimination and injustices in the society led to poverty among blacks. Blacks could not get employment in industries due to unfair treatment. King called America to be true to what it wrote in the constitution. King feels hatred for America as she has made the blacks suffer. Thus, King and McKay have different feelings for America though they are American citizens (McKay & Gates 2004).
Reference
McKay, N.Y., & Gates, H.L. The Norton Anthology of African American Literature (2nded).2004. Norton, p1-2776
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