I feel that the reason that studying the Harlem renaissance is worth it because of the appreciation for the people that have put so much effort into the advancement of the African American race. These people went against the grain of common society with fear of persecution and extreme resentment in order to further their cause. This cause is one of physical, psychological, economic, social, and political status and needs to be recognized. These morals and values that have been instilled within this time period are the same type that can be used in any situation where oppression and mistreatment are evident. By studying them we are embracing the strength of these people and celebrating their passion.
It is also important to study this subject due to how it has affected us as a society. We take for granted the struggle that African Americans have been put through and we think of it in an abstract regard through literature books, movies, and verbal communications. When we take a subject, such as the Harlem Renaissance and express the causes, content, and effects on society at the time we are taking the abstract issue of racial discrimination and making it reality. We touch on actual topics and works written and bring them to life. By doing this we are becoming aware of current problems in our society and keep our eyes open and await change.
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I agree that by exposing issues of the past, we are also opening our eyes to the issues we have today. We can all learn from the struggles that the African Americans of the Harlem Renaissance faced. Our society is better for having experienced such a flourishing and yet difficult time in our history. Great works of art, literature, and music were generated from this time that can be appreciated for years to come. At the same time, the determination and perseverance of African Americans is evident today as all of us enjoy the successes that were achieved by the African Americans of the Harlem Renaissance.
I think youre right when you say that we dont acknoweledge the struggle that African Americans went through to get where they are today. Often when we read about slavery we read about it from a history text not from someone who felt it and was changed by it. I thought it was a different insight and definately worth while reading.
I also agree, you don’t get a real feel for what a person has gone through until you study it fully. Sure it is easy to pick up a textbook and read about slavery, but that doesn’t give it depth. It doesn’t humanize it so that one can relate to the struggles. I liked reading the poetry because that seemed to bring things to life for me. It made the feelings and emotions of the time more real and you could see how the good and the bad of the time was really affecting people emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
The last statement you make, "By studying them we are embracing the strength of these people and celebrating their passion" is such a good point! It could not have been worded any better!
The time of the Harlem Renaissance has affectedd us as a society today and it's interesting to see how! If you think about it, alot of what they did has affected and influenced what we have now. For example, obviously their writing but also the music! Without jazz from the time of the Harlem Renaissance we wouldn't have alot of the different types of music we have today. Now because of Jazz we have rock and roll, hip hop, rap, and so on!
You are right about how we never really take the time to acknowledge what the African Americans had to go through to get where they are at today. It is a lot different reading it from a text book then to actually experience.
I agree with you 100%. Your post was very interesting to read. I too believe that as a society we take for granted the struggle that African Americans have been put through. I think this course was very interesting and if more people took it, maybe society would be different one day.
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