Reader Response Criticism of Let America be America Again and Harlem(A Essay

Reader Response Criticism of Let America be America Again and Harlem(A dream deferred) by Langston Hughes - Essay ExampleWhen he mentions America never was America to me (p.189,Line 5) what he means that African Americans are also part of the freedom struggle of America and their contribution is non little than the white race, and yet freedom does not free them in the real sense. They face discrimination at every turn of their existence and their actions are existence judged. The second battle is tougher than the earlier one, because it is the attack on their sentimental world and essential dignity of their efforts to live with honor. No writer or poet can clean under the carpet ones real life experiences and they are bound to find reflection in the writings. Similar is the case with Hughes, and he candidly admits it. He experiences the trauma of segregation and the type of inhuman treatments being meted out to the blacks. He lives to see the changes that engulf the American soc ial and cultural scenario as thraldom is banned all types of racial acts and slurs are legally forbidden and all citizens are equal on all counts. But legal protection is that one part of the story. Hughes makes a fervent appeal for total freedom in the real sense of the term. He writes But opportunity is real, and life is free, equating is in the air we breathe. ... One feels secured under such conditions and has something to look forward to in life. How does this poem make you feel about America? Langston Hughes (Born 1-2-1902 Died 22-5-1967) would demand been happy to observe things taking shape for the better with each passing day, for the African American race. Recollection of the bitter past becomes tolerable when the present states of personal business are sound. This poem sets me thinking, how fortunate I am to have been born and live in the present period. My heart goes out to the ancestors of the African Americans who suffer much(prenominal) miseries, physical punish ments and mental torture, denial of education and they are compelled to confront all the negativities that one can think of. The present African American genesis must(prenominal) be proud of what they are able to accomplish and progress they are making in all walks of life. In short, this poem is like a effectual current that creates great vibrations in my heart. It is inspiring and evocative. My story of struggle in America My story of struggle to establish in America is somewhat similar, if not as grim as that of the race to which Langston Hughes belongs. My parents immigrate to America from India in the 1980s to settle in New York City. I am the first generation Indian American of my family to be born and to take college education in New Jersey. My parents have the problem of getting used to the American accent and run-in and assimilation with the co-workers is a tough asking and honorable survival is not all that easy. They learn the English language literally from the scrat ch. Being exposed to the ordinary culture of America, I grow up as an