African-American in the Third Chapter

African-American

In the third chapter of his book on African-American culture and the construction of self in fiction and autobiography, Robert Lee (67) notes that the 1960s is probably the decade of most significance for the realization of black culture in the United States. Indeed, this decade brought great literature, philosophy, and education for the black culture, and also provided the building blocks for the then future that we are experiencing today. However, the author notes that it is equally true that the vision of the past as well as the future among black artists often differ widely and even contradict each other. The author explains this by means of individual experience and heritage. While the African-American culture is indeed an identifiable ethnic group that sets itself apart from other ethnic groups in the country, it is also true that each individual within this ethnic group. This differentiation is then explicated as the basis for differentiation in black literature, both from varying points-of-view.

As is also seen in the assigned readings by various authors, that different aspects of black history are important to them. For some authors, it is extremely important to prove that they are at least as good as the rich white upper-class sector of society. For others in turn, it is more important to prove their value as an ethnic group that sets itself apart and defines itself as separate from all other ethnic groups in the country. These viewpoints initially appear to contradict each other, but are ultimately complementary

The apparent contradictions in literature emerging from the African-American ethnic group, as written by different individuals serves as proof of humanity. While African-American, the authors also share the fact of humanity, whether they wish to or not, with all other American citizens. Being human, each individual author's work is informed by his or her particular experience of the race issue and society. Individual authors, as indeed they should, provide the world with their particular "truth," which serves to provide objectivity within opinion.

2.

In keeping with the theme of individuality highlighted above, each of the main characters in the assigned readings struggle to define his or her identity in terms of the dichotomies in the society they observe. Each point-of-view differs according to the person's stage of life and background, and each person seeks to establish an identity by means of the cultural and social tools they have at their disposal. At times these tools comprise family members, friends, or teachers, and at others they are something much more focused and personal, such as the intellect or determination.

Sylvia, the main character of "The Lesson," establishes her identity in terms of the financial contrast between her own social construct and those who can spend $1,000 on a toy. For her, the concept of financial security provides a platform for constructing an identity. Her determination to contend with the rich for a place in the world defines her in the end.

For Baraka's main character, Mickey, the search for identity is vaguely personified by the beauty of young "American girls." These girls represent for him the ultimate of being American. It is for him a reality that he cannot attain, but that he wishes above all to pursue. In this, his determination runs parallel with that of Sylvia.