The NEW NEGRO term has a broad reference to the period in history at the time of the post reconstruction. During the Harlem Renaissance, Blacks embarked on a movement that involved a more outspoken advocacy of dignity and refusal to submit to racial segregation laws. The term NEW NEGRO was coined by Blacks after the Civil War to redefine who they are and to give meaning and purpose to their lives. Locke called for a racial awakening on a national and world scale. On the other hand, Baldwin identified a different model of urban culture rich with politics, ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
Locke’s view of old Negro transformation was that of a race of cultural bearers. More importantly, the NEW NEGRO was to destroy all racial, social, and psychological road blocks in his path. The obstacles that stood in the way of achievement to Black progress needed to be surmounted and defeated by educated and entrepreneurial black race. This movement entailed that black artists and intellectuals strive for a nation of self sufficiency. Locke instilled in the NEW NEGRO, a sense of political and social interests to fight racial discrimination directed against blacks. Like Baldwin, Locke encouraged entrepreneurship as a way to become self sufficient. Both of them had similar aspirations for the NEW NEGRO concept but differed in their approaches with Baldwin leaning towards urban culture.
There is a consensus from both Harlem and Chicago scholars that Harlem is a place of ideas and art. On the contrary, Chicago is seen as the site of enterprise thereby providing an entrepreneurial spirit to the NEW NEGRO. The term NEW NEGRO in American history and culture represents the literary, the visual artists and intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance. The NEW NEGRO personality and culture embrace a wide range of intellectual prowess that would ultimately dismantle all forms of stereotypes directed towards blacks. Locke and Baldwin worked hard to stimulate the mind of the NEW NEGRO.
You did a good job of giving the reader an in-depth analysis on both books and giving your interpretation of what both authors main focus was. Furthermore, you really identify what the New Negro brought to society in the early 20th century and how it impacted the lives of Blacks and other ethnicities. Although, Chicago and Harlem had a different influence in their demographics, they were a major influence to the culture and lifestyle in the area.
ReplyDeleteEmecka, your post understands the differences between Locke and Baldwin theoretically. However, maybe a bit more of a discussion on the Jack Johnson or even Walker might be necessary. It is important to note these two people when discussing what spawned this entreprenurial class in Chicago. This class didn't exist in a vacuum and as you know from Lipsitz there's a long fetch of history to it. If we can fundamentally understand the sentiments from Johnson and Walker, I think it is better in terms of understanding how blacks were influenced and began a self-help system in which they began to look to each other for more than just help and spiritual guidance but financial support and clientele - something that shouldnt be understated in the time frame we're talking about.
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