Introduction: “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World”
“How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World” both offer deep insight in the experience of racial discrimination, demonstrating challenges and resilience of individuals passing their time in a society marked by prejudice and inequality. Maya Angelou and Zora Neale Hurston are two prominent female writers from the African American community, renowned for their exceptional literary contributions. Both authors eloquently portray their respective experiences of living within the black community and facing the repercussions of discrimination from the white community. While “Champion of the World” celebrates the triumph of a black boxer, “How it Feels to Be Colored Me” delves into the innocent perceptions of a thirteen-year-old black girl in Eatonville, Florida, who initially does not perceive racial differences until encountering discrimination upon moving to Jacksonville for school. Despite enduring significant racial discrimination and feelings of inferiority compared to white people, the situation has gradually shifted in favor of African Americans. Today, African Americans are excelling in various fields, competing on equal footing in games and other arenas, reflecting the progress made in combating racial inequality.
Maya Angelou and “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World”
During the 1930s, when Maya Angelou was young, she recounts an incident involving a boxing match where a black man named Louis is set to fight a white opponent. This match holds immense significance for the black community, as their sense of pride hinges on Louis’s victory, while defeat would validate accusations of their inferiority as human beings. Similarly, Zora Neale Hurston describes experiencing discrimination at school when she was sent to Jacksonville. She reflects, “Some is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves.” This indicates that within their community, they were consistently reminded of their African American identity, and tensions between the black and white communities persisted, whether on the playing field, in educational settings, or elsewhere.
New Situation, “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World”
However, after many decades, the situation has evolved significantly. While instances of discrimination may still occur sporadically, it is not as pervasive as it was in the past. The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States for two terms exemplifies this shift, signaling that both African American and white communities are now seen as simply Americans. Although occasional instances of discrimination may persist in interactions with certain individuals or officials, overall, significant progress has been made. Widespread protests akin to those seen in the past are now less common, as greater equality and stricter adherence to the rule of law prevail. Without figures like Martin Luther King Jr. to continually advocate for freedom and equality, African Americans are no longer judged solely by the color of their skin. They are now free to pursue any field they choose, even aspiring to the presidency if they possess the requisite abilities and rhetorical skills to enter politics.
Conclusion: “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World”
It suggests that discrimination has significantly decreased. While Maya Angelou and Zora Neale Hurston highlighted instances of humiliation they faced in their essays, both also expressed pride in their heritage. Being a person of color is not inherently negative, but being treated as inferior is unacceptable. In comparison to the past, both African American and white communities are now more equal. While isolated cases of discrimination may still occur, particularly in certain states, the overall situation has greatly improved. Therefore, I believe that the current state of racial discrimination does not align with the propositions put forth by Angelou and Hurston in their time. Today, all individuals, regardless of their African American or white heritage, are considered Americans.
Works Cited: “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World”
- Angelous, Maya. “Champion of the World.” Online Literature. n. d. Web. Accecssed 07 March 2017.
- Hurston, Zora Neal. “How It Feels to be Colored.” UGC. n. d. Web. Accessed 07 March 2017.
- King, Martin Luther. “I have a dream.” US Speeches. n. d. Web. Accessed 07 March 2017.
Relevant Questions about “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World”
- How do Maya Angelou’s “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and Zora Neale Hurston’s “Champion of the World” explore the experiences of racial discrimination and resilience within the African American community during their respective time periods?
- In what ways do the narrative perspectives and personal experiences of the authors in “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World” contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of racial identity and societal expectations?
- How do Maya Angelou and Zora Neale Hurston employ literary techniques such as imagery, symbolism, and narrative voice to convey the challenges and triumphs of navigating racial discrimination in their works “How It Feels to be Colored Me” and “Champion of the World”?
