Power:
Power is a concept that should never oppress people, and make them feel bad about themselves. During the Harlem Renaissance many writers including Langston Hughes, Zora Hurston, and Alice Walker wrote of many themes that spoke of the extremes of power that takes place in America. This entrapping idea of power was not only written about during the Harlem Renaissance but has been carried on to more present day writing including "The Color Purple".
In Langston Hughes writings he often times referenced the idea that power should never oppress people. He wrote consistently about how America gives no true voice to African Americans when they have rights too. For instance, in the poem, " Democracy" Langston Hughes writes,” I have just as much right as the other fellow to stand on my two feet and own the land." This line holds great significance for he is speaking of how there should be social equality for all, giving African Americans the right to voice their opinions in government. This line also signifies how "through compromise and fear" equality regardless of social class or heredity will never be attained. In
Langston Hughes poems he writes of the desires of equality, emphasizing the power the Whites in America hold over the Negroes. In his poem, "I, Too, Sing America" one line states, "I am the darker brother. They send me to the kitchen when company comes." This symbolizes how African Americans are treated in society as "unworthy".
As power is within the hands of White Americans at this time in history Langston Hughes writes of how in the future, power will, with the fight for Liberty, morph into equality. "Tomorrow, I'll sit at the table when company comes. Nobody dare say to me 'Eat in the Kitchen.'" Langston Hughes wants to live in a world where oppression over the Negroes is no more.
As Langston Hughes wrote of power to create change and push for equality, Zora Hurston wrote of how power shouldn't oppress in the writing "How It Feels To Be Colored Me". Zora felt oppression when she stepped into a white community as a young girl, during this time in her life Zora began to feel that she didn't belong. In this writing Zora transforms to then write about how power should never make you look down on yourself. "How could anyone deny themselves the pleasure of my company?" Zora asks in the text. Zora writes of how many African Americans see power the white people hold and take no action to create a change, yet they weep. Zora, however, "doesn't belong to the weeping Negros Community." She sees the "power" the whites hold in a dim light compared to the power she knows she is capable of. Zora explains how confidence and determination truly spark the overcoming of oppression.
The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker, is a novel with many different themes and ideas. Throughout the novel, Celie transforms from being held under power to becoming confident, noticed, and powerful enough not to be controlled. In the book Celie is first held under the power of men whether it is her father or Mr. __. On page 22, Mr. ___ provides evidence of his control over Celie by responding, "Cause she my wife, and she stubborn All women good for-" when asked why he beats her. Celie never looks at men in the eye, is always quiet, and frightened due to the power men have continued to hold over her through violence and rape. The oppression that Celie has experienced caused her to become a numb individual, feeling no emotion.
When Shug Avery arrives to the house and begins to spend time with her, Celie is able to view exactly how Shug Avery, a woman, is able to stand up to men with confidence. With Shug as a great influence, Celie is able to grasp the concept that she doesn't deserve to be controlled by men. This new found confidence urges her to stand up to Mr. ___ on page saying, "I curse you.", ending her sulky, and oppressed lifestyle as she discovers herself as a successful, independent woman.
Power is a concept that includes one group overpowering another, whether it may be right or wrong. With confidence in yourself, and determination these authors were able to get across how power should never oppress people to believe they aren't worthy of their own rights.