Alain Locke The New Negro Summary

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In “The New Negro,” Alain Locke expands on the hope that derived from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as the mass migration of southern blacks to the north and its major cities. In his article he explains how the “New Negro” expresses a new generation of black individuals that are uniting and are furthering the development and advancement of a black person's role in society, stepping away from the stereotypes founded by the oppressors. While the “old negro” may see this movement as a phase, he argues that the old negro remains compliant to the oppressor and disapproves the fact that they continue to appeal to the stereotypes laid onto them through white psychology, which continue the power whites have over blacks. In addition, he digs deep on the necessary change regarding the …show more content…

With this psychology, blacks can now begin to take over their own narrative, positioning themselves as thinkers through forms of art and education. Locke is a skilled writer and is able to eloquently articulate his argument. His idea regarding the psychology of “The Negro” deserves merit for its freshness and distinctness on the topic of racism and equality alone. His outlook on society for people of color takes a positive and forward thinking approach to motivate black Americans. He cleverly refers to the cruel past as the “medieval America,” and reassures his audience that they must not dwell on the past and its failures because they can apply their energy towards the life that they can and will have. In addition, I appreciate the fact that he acknowledges the changes and achievements of black individuals at this point in time, including migration the black population the south to the north, making it no longer predominantly in the south. I find it noteworthy that he lists reasons for migration such as poor crops, social terrorism, and demands for the war industry as contributing factors for the move, but states that it is not

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