In Langston Hughes' poem "Negro" the message seems to be that he is proud to be a Negro. He seemingly represents his Negro brother as he cites difficulties his people experienced. My question is, why does he mention song on three different occasions in the midst of listing what the black race has experienced?

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

Answers

I agree that Hughes is very proud of his people that they have endured so many atrocities over the centuries at the hands of other races. Hughes lists what they have survived and right in the middle he mentions the music. The music that vented the emotional suffering and pain. The music was unique to the American slaves. They created it and it is something to be tremendously proud of. It has influenced musicians the world over for decades and continues to do so today. Black music is one bright spot in the middle of the suffering. And the suffering continues.

-- Anonymous, April 08, 2000

I also got from the reading that Hughes was proud to be a Negro. The reason, I believe, that he refers to the music is because the music is a huge part in Black history. The Negros used to make their own music and words to show how they felt and how they were trying to make the best out of a bad situation. The music gave them hope that there was something better coming to them. When he mentions the music during the list of what the black race has experienced it is because the music explains their hardships the best.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2000