Survival of Black Youth

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     “Mother to Son” is a 1922 poem written by the African American poet and journalist Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes wanted to introduce a unique kind of literature that can highlight the vicissitudes of African Americans, due to the 1920 Harlem artistic movement, Harlem Renaissance, as the neighborhood of Harlem was infested with migrated African Americans who decided to settle there for work and jobs. ‘Mother to Son’ portrayed the hardships faced by African Americans in the early twentieth century. 

This poem states the barriers and risks that African Americans face in their daily lives due to racism and discrimination against the black community. The mother started by describing how real-life looked like by recalling how she lived and how difficult her life was and still is. As a black boy who was born in the American racist society, he would be shocked when he faces the real world so his mother had to prepare him mentally. Also, for a child who would have fantasies about living an imaginary life full of pleasures, he had to be told that reality is much different. In addition, these words were meant to be said by his mother with the kindness of the motherhood.


Comments

  1. Mariam Mohamed HosnyNovember 4, 2021 at 5:07 AM

    I read this poem and I like it. It actually highlights the themes of hope and persistence. Moreover, the mother thinks wisely, and she shows a great care and kindness towards her child.

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    1. Salma MustafaNovember 4, 2021 at 9:42 AM

      She's experienced, and she's passing it to her son. It's inspirational!

      Delete
  2. Fatema MuhammadNovember 4, 2021 at 7:38 AM

    It’s great to see the mother telling her son about how to survive in the face of racism in the American society without sugarcoating anything. Unlike the mother in the poem, people tend to use soft and bright language when they talk to kids, so maybe Hughes is trying to show how it is like to be raised as a child of color.

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    1. Salma MustafaNovember 4, 2021 at 9:42 AM

      The language is also light and understandable, which fits the style in which Hughes aims that his words reaches a child.

      Delete
  3. Salma RedaNovember 4, 2021 at 7:42 AM

    African-American literature is so rich and gripping; I don't usually read poetry, but this habit changed forever once I knew Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Hughes.
    The use of the African American Vernacular English caught my attention the first time I read it; Hughes made sure that his message is emphasized in each and every line.

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    1. Salma MustafaNovember 4, 2021 at 8:09 AM

      I totally agree with you. Also, Hughes delivered his message accurately yet simply, and this was just amazing

      Delete
  4. FarahemadNovember 4, 2021 at 7:11 PM

    his poem conveyed the issue of African Americans, racism and discrimination, in a clear and direct way. By presenting it through the strongest and tightest relationship between the mother and her son, Hughes greatly succeeded in delivering the voice of his community.

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  5. Salma MustafaNovember 4, 2021 at 7:58 PM

    Mother - Son relationships are definitely the strongest. It was a real good choice.

    ReplyDelete

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