If we were to look at the different interpretations of the new negro as a circle, I think Locke’s view represents half of that circle. Lock’s view focuses on the artist, the poets, the story writers, singers, actors and actresses etc. However Baldwin’s view focuses more on areas that Professor Stewart termed as “non elite” areas. I think it is Baldwin’s interpretation of the New Negro that brings this half circle full round. Baldwin’s view allows for a more complete comprehension of what Black success can look like. He does this by strategically beginning his discussion of the New Negro with Jack Johnson’s career as a professional boxer. Through Johnson’s career we see a shift or rather an expanse of what can embody the New Negro. Johnson also focuses heavily on the importance of entrepreneurship and he use important figures such as Madame C.J Walker. This is exactly why I say that Baldwin completes the circle of the New Negro because the accomplishments of these successful African Americans have paved the way for contemporary Black entrepreneurship. Baldwin’s interpretation of the New Negro ensured that these accomplishments and their trailblazers were recognized.
Baldwin and Locke are similar in that when these two halves of the circle come together they provide a beautiful portrait of what Black success is. This success comes from Blacks using their culture, their talents and their business skills to disrupt racial and social hierarchies. On either side of this circle, African Americans were making history and putting pressure upon all of the forces of whiteness that were working against them. I must say that these interpretations of the new negro provide such a complex view of Blackness. No longer do we have this picture of the black man and woman as docile or simple but we have blacks contributing to society in a way that not even whites can deny!
This is a great way to understand the New Negro. I definitely agree that we can't pigeon hole what it means to be a New Negro in either Locke or Baldwin's interpretations, but how both work with each to create this identity. The complexities of creating a new vision of how to identify oneself cannot be overlooked, and I think you really hit the nail on the head with this reflection.
ReplyDeleteYour comments on success make me contemplate the overall discussion and understanding of what success means and encompasses. The victories of the Chicago and Harlem New Negroes are very different, yet both significant in history. I think it's really important that we acknowledge them both, as we have in this course by reading two books on the variations of the New Negro.
I appreciate how you incorporated both interpretations into this idea of both the artist and entrepreneur being one half that complete a circle. Both are aspects of the New Negro that have contributed greatly to diminishing the stigma's associated with the black race during that time. Additionally, they both contributed positively to the image of Black American's at that time and were something to be proud of, be it a contribution from Madame C.J. Walker or Langston Hughes.
ReplyDeleteI know others have expressed this above me, but they way you examined Locke and Baldwins interpretations of the new negro to be considered half's of a full circle was a very unique and interesting way of looking at their contributions. I definitely feel as those Locke and Baldwins interpretations of the new negro collectively were extremely important for redefining the image of blacks during the time. I like how instead of dividing them, they meshed them their approaches in to two parts of one whole which aids in their influence upon the image of what the new negro is. It also allows for a definition of the new negro that is continually expanding.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your full circle interpretation of Baldwin and Locke’s interpretation of the “New Negro”. I also like the fact that you addressed the notion of Black Beauty and the need for self appreciation and Black Pride. I to believe that the two are needed to complete the interpretation and that Baldwin and Locke both brought awareness to black success.
ReplyDeleteI'll just be repetitive and say it too (because I 100% agree), the full circle concept of the two authors was ideal and effective. I think you are completely on point when expressing the belief that success can be viewed as either a portrayal of artistry or one of entrepreneurship. While I do think the divide is necessary, I assent and applaud this unique connection you've created!
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