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Don T Feels To Be Colored Me Analysis

Decent Essays

t Feels to Be Colored Me by Zora Neale Hurston and A Letter From Birmingham Jail are both extraordinary literary works written about African Americans and the racism they face. Their differences-such as their audience, tone, and message- make both pieces unique. Hurston holds a more positive and prideful tone, unafraid of the repercussions of her words as she uplifted her race. Alternatively, King was more measured, attempting to appeal to his audience: white Americans, and more specifically, clergymen.
In both works, racism and prejudice are discussed and disputed. Although the methodology differs, Hurston and King both agree that racism must be eradicated. Additionally, both authors are unafraid of judgment from others for speaking out. …show more content…

Hurston's work was written during the Harlem Renaissance, whereas A Letter From Birmingham Jail was written during the Civil Rights Movement. These two time periods hold significantly different perspectives for African Americans. During the Harlem Renaissance, African Americans were beginning to assert through literature their pride and hope for future rights. Hurston exemplifies this as she calls herself "cosmic," discloses her surprise at a white man not seeing the impressiveness of Jazz music, and exclaims, "Sometimes I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company!" Conversely, King's letter depicts the attitude of the Civil Rights Movement. African Americans then not only had hope, but they had a campaign driven by their agitation at constantly being denied their innate rights. As a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement, we can see the attitude of the time period as he states, "I am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom," and "It seeks so to dramatize the issue [racism] that it can no longer be ignored." King seeks only one solution: end racial prejudice. King's entire missive is focused completely on the goal of the Civil Rights Movement. While Hurston criticized racism, her work wasn't focused on ending

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