What does Alain Locke Mean when he says, "The day of 'aunties.' 'uncles,' and 'mammies' is equally gone."? Why does he say this?
Alain Locke makes this statement to emphasize his ideas regarding the New Negro. He says that the days of blacks being quiet and submissive are gone and a new era has begun. No longer will the African Americans allow themselves to be trodden over and belittled, they are uniting and demanding respect. This was about the time of the Harlem Renaissance and the creation of the NAACP. Blacks were doing more to defend themselves, to improve their lives (moving North), and to promote their heritage. Marcus Garvey encouraged blacks to embrace their roots and have pride in their heritage. “Up you mighty race,” were his words and he did a great deal to distinguish the ideals of light skinned blacks being superior to darks skinned blacks. African Americans began to come together once again and break out of the crushing clutch that whites had on them. No more were the days of the poor, obedient Negro; here were the days of the resistant, the confident and proud African Americans. Locke used ‘mammies’ and such as a metaphor to explain the transformation of blacks from the old ways to the new.
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Great observations of the pride of the new negro and how Locke used this to reach out to the African Americans of his time.
ReplyDeleteI think Locke thought the Southern stereotypes (mammies, etc.) bound African Americans to ideas of white supremacy and white culture, but during that time, they began to break free and form a true original culture- I like that you mentioned the Harlem Renaissance. I think that's a great example of culture reform that Locke talks about.
ReplyDeleteYour use of examples like the Renaissance, NAACP, Garvey, and quotes backed up what you opinionated...i agree with what you said.
ReplyDeleteI like the use of the quote "Up you mighty race." It really captures what Locke was trying to say.
ReplyDeleteI love your vocabulary, and the way you explain yourself. I wish you would have emphasized a little more but I really liked it, and I think you captured what Locke was trying to say wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteI must agree with everyone who complimented your vocabulary and writing style. You pretty much embraced the tone that most likely inspired the African Americans back when this quote was made. You got your point across and actually went further. Kudos.
ReplyDeleteI like your reaction in its entirety, especially the formulation of your words.
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