Alain Locke The New Negro Analysis

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Kori Johnson African American Literature Professor Magnani February 9, 2013 Summary Essay (REVISED) The narrative “The New Negro”, written by Alain Locke, is an essay that basically describes how the Negro has changed from “old” to “new”. The essay takes place in the mid 1920’s; during the well-known Harlem Renaissance. This is when the American Negro produced more art, music, poetry and narratives. Based on what Locke observes during this time period, he explains how he believes the Negro has changed. As a result of the foul treatment the Negroes endured, and the Negro migration from the south to the north, Alain Locke explains how these two major factors contributed to the change of the Negro mentality. Locke starts off by explaining that in the last ten years, the mind of the Negro has changed. The new generation has a new state of mind and is full of energy. Since then the “old” Negro has become a myth. He has transformed to the “new” Negro. Locke explains that for years, in the eyes of America, the old Negro wasn’t really human. They were more like animals that could be trained, “kept down”, “patronized”, and…show more content…
The Negro problem was mainly in the South, and Locke argues that since the migration occurred, people shouldn’t think that the problem only lies in the South. “Why should our minds remain sectionalized when the problem itself no longer is?” (986). Also, the problem is not only racism it is adjustment that is the main issue. The Negros themselves, as well as America, must get used to the fact that Negros are a part of society now. Locke points out that the cause of this migration shouldn’t be solely blamed on the war, labor demand, or the Ku Klux Klan but the want and need of opportunity, social and economic freedom as well as a chance to improve their conditions being the significant reasons. As the Negros progressed further into the North, Harlem seemed to be a favorable
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