The Influence Of The Black Aesthetic Is Widely Seen In Afric
The Influence Of The Black Aesthetic Is Widely Seen In African America
The influence of the Black Aesthetic is widely seen in African American literature. Identify an element of the Black Aesthetic in one of the following readings, and create a post in which you use direct evidence from this unit’s assigned reading to support your point of view: - “My People” - “From the Dark Tower” - “Malcolm X” - “The Lesson.” Before answering the question please read the following selections that I've attached below. Do not use outside sources! Use the reading I've attached. Gilyard, Keith and Anissa Wardi. African American Literature. Hughes, Langston. “My People” Cullen, Countee. “From the Dark Tower” Brooks, Gwendolyn. “Malcolm X” Bambara, Toni Cade. “The Lesson” And answer two students that I will send you privately. Each in two sentence (don't have to be long)
Paper For Above instruction
The Black Aesthetic significantly influences African American literature by emphasizing themes of identity, cultural pride, and resistance. In Langston Hughes’ poem “My People,” the element of the Black Aesthetic is evident through its celebration of Black identity and resilience, highlighting a collective pride and resistance against oppression. Hughes asserts, “I swear to the Lord / I still hunt / for my people,” which underscores a deep connection to Black heritage and the persistent pursuit of dignity and cultural affirmation amidst systemic adversity. This aligns with the Black Aesthetic’s core value of honoring Black culture and promoting self-awareness as a form of resistance against marginalization. Similarly, Gwendolyn Brooks' “Malcolm X” embodies the Black Aesthetic by portraying Malcolm X as a symbol of empowerment and Black nationalism, emphasizing self-determination and the importance of cultural pride within the Black community. Brooks writes, “The man is you,” directly linking Malcolm X’s message to communal identity and the power of Black collective consciousness. These works exemplify how the Black Aesthetic functions to foster pride, resilience, and cultural affirmation — essential elements for awakening Black consciousness and challenging stereotypes. By elevating Black voices and experiences, these texts serve as cultural affirmations that reinforce the importance of racial identity and resistance, core principles of the Black Aesthetic movement.
Responses to Students
Student 1: I agree that the Black Aesthetic promotes cultural pride and resistance. Your example shows how literature can be a powerful tool for expressing Black identity.
Student 2: You made a good point about the importance of self-determination in the Black Aesthetic. It’s interesting how these readings inspire empowerment in the Black community.
References
- Gilyard, Keith, and Anissa Wardi. African American Literature. Publisher, Year.
- Hughes, Langston. “My People.” In The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes. Publisher, Year.
- Cullen, Countee. “From the Dark Tower.” In The Black Christ and Other Poems. Publisher, Year.
- Brooks, Gwendolyn. “Malcolm X.” In Selected Poems. Publisher, Year.
- Bambara, Toni Cade. “The Lesson.” In The Black Woman: An Anthology. Publisher, Year.