Different Racial Viewpoints The viewpoint of America may be different through the eyes of each person, but everyone has importance. Whitman magnifies American society’s workers, such as mechanics, carpenters, masons, boatman 's etc. to show his appreciation of them. He refers to it in a positive way and focuses on the joy of honest labor. He mentions the individual experiences of the workers that make up the American identity. In the poem “I,Too” by Langston Hughes, he writes about American inequality. Even though segregation took place, Hughes sees everyone as equal and a part of America. He stresses the fact that African Americans are valuable to American society and have a great impact on society. It can be discouraging, but
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The poem “I,Too” doesn’t leave out a segment of society. It is more realistic and focuses on the good and the bad. In the lines “I am the darker brother. / They send me to eat in the kitchen/ When company comes” (Hughes 2-4), the narrator is treated as a second class citizen, not being able to be around company. He points out with the words “darker brother” that he is of a different color, but still in the human family. This is also an example of irony because he is sent off to another room to eat, excluded but also a brother. Even though the situation is bad in the lines, “But I laugh,/ And eat well,/ And grow strong.” (Hughes 5-7), he will remain strong and won’t let this temporary situation break him. He takes it lightly as a joke and knows for himself that he has a better future ahead of him. The speaker tells us that, “Tomorrow,/ I’ll be at the table/ When company comes./ Nobody’ll dare/Say to me,/ Eat in the kitchen,/ Then” (Huges 8-14). The narrator acknowledges that he is disrespected and treated as less, but believes in this prediction that in the future no one will have the right to boss him around and tell him what to do. He talks about a more positive future, which makes the poem more complex and satisfying. He addresses Whitman’s exclusionary view of not focusing on America’s strength in its diversity. . By looking at the two poems we learn that Hughes …show more content…
Whitman focuses on the good and joyful things in America to be proud about. He hasn’t experienced racism or segregation so he his blind to the fact that America is not perfect. Everyone may not feel the need to sing because they are not happy at heart. The poem was written in 1860 which was right before the Civil War around the time historical events occurred that changed the world. It was during the time of slavery as well. Whitman weighed more on the positive side, even though there were a lot of tragic and controversial topics to speak about. Hughes wrote his poem a long time after in 1925, but felt the need to respond to Whitman’s poem, even though things have gotten somewhat better, but are still far from perfect. As Hughes writes in the poem, there is still inequality and racism that he is not so happy and proud about. He feels that America should feel ashamed. Hughes wrote this poem about 91 years ago, but as I read today it is very powerful and still relevant in today’s society. We have not achieved Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream yet, but there is progress today and still hope that tomorrow will be
The poem “I,Too” doesn’t leave out a segment of society. It is more realistic and focuses on the good and the bad. In the lines “I am the darker brother. / They send me to eat in the kitchen/ When company comes” (Hughes 2-4), the narrator is treated as a second class citizen, not being able to be around company. He points out with the words “darker brother” that he is of a different color, but still in the human family. This is also an example of irony because he is sent off to another room to eat, excluded but also a brother. Even though the situation is bad in the lines, “But I laugh,/ And eat well,/ And grow strong.” (Hughes 5-7), he will remain strong and won’t let this temporary situation break him. He takes it lightly as a joke and knows for himself that he has a better future ahead of him. The speaker tells us that, “Tomorrow,/ I’ll be at the table/ When company comes./ Nobody’ll dare/Say to me,/ Eat in the kitchen,/ Then” (Huges 8-14). The narrator acknowledges that he is disrespected and treated as less, but believes in this prediction that in the future no one will have the right to boss him around and tell him what to do. He talks about a more positive future, which makes the poem more complex and satisfying. He addresses Whitman’s exclusionary view of not focusing on America’s strength in its diversity. . By looking at the two poems we learn that Hughes …show more content…
Whitman focuses on the good and joyful things in America to be proud about. He hasn’t experienced racism or segregation so he his blind to the fact that America is not perfect. Everyone may not feel the need to sing because they are not happy at heart. The poem was written in 1860 which was right before the Civil War around the time historical events occurred that changed the world. It was during the time of slavery as well. Whitman weighed more on the positive side, even though there were a lot of tragic and controversial topics to speak about. Hughes wrote his poem a long time after in 1925, but felt the need to respond to Whitman’s poem, even though things have gotten somewhat better, but are still far from perfect. As Hughes writes in the poem, there is still inequality and racism that he is not so happy and proud about. He feels that America should feel ashamed. Hughes wrote this poem about 91 years ago, but as I read today it is very powerful and still relevant in today’s society. We have not achieved Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream yet, but there is progress today and still hope that tomorrow will be