Langston Hughes from “Theme from English B” and Malcolm X from “Hair” are two distinct characters that have many similarities and differences. One similarity is that they are both African Americans. The two stories both speak out their opinion against racism and discrimination. Hughes and Malcolm X are uncomfortable with their race and are uncomfortable with adapting who they are to become white, which was the majority at that time. In addition, another similarity is that they were impoverished and lived in a community populated with African Americans. For example, in “Theme from English B”, Hughes describes how far the distance is from his home and the school he attended. In “Hair”, Malcolm X lived in a shabby apartment that was six dollars a week. Overall, they did not have a high social-economic status. In both stories, Hughes and Malcolm X are fighting for a sense of commonality. However, Malcolm X goes through pain to become “white.” He wanted to straighten his hair like the white people, although the comb felt as if it was raking his skin off. He believed that the black people were inferior and the white people were superior. During this time, many people wanted to become white and thought that nothing was wrong to begin with. The African Americans tried to follow the white standards. On the other hand, Langston Hughes wanted to become white but did not go through pain. He was courageous to stand up for the African Americans, describing that the white people and black people were not different. Unlike Malcolm X, he said that although humans are born a different race, they are still the same. He goes on explaining that he enjoys the same natural habits just like everyone else. Langston Hughes stood up for his beliefs, but Malcom X feared the white people and wanted to fit in.
Hi Daisy~ where is your post on the tone differences? I notice your posts are out of order ...maybe I'm not seeing it?
ReplyDeleteI agree with almost everything that you wrote about the differences and similarities between Langston Hughes and Malcolm X. They obviously talked about racism and discrimination, but they showed different reactions toward them. What I want to add more on to your post is that they both had to work very hard in order to fit in white people's society. For example, like you mentioned on your post, Malcolm X had to go through a huge pain while straightening his hair. What you did not mention, though, is the part where Langston Hughes had to walk up and down the hills in order to get to his school. (108 words)
ReplyDeleteOur ideas are very similar. I also wrote that Langston Hughes and Malcom X were similar yet different in many ways. For example, I agree with you in that the surroundings of both authors were very similar. Both Langston Hughes and Malcom X discuss issues about racism. They are both black and they both lived in similar communities. I also agree with your differences. For example, I agree with you in that Malcom X tried to change himself in order to become more "white," but Langston Hughes did not do anything to change himself. Instead, he showed how black people and white people were similar, but he indicated the superiority of white people. (113 words)
ReplyDeleteI never caught what kind of environment they were both in as a similarity, which was really interesting! I did mention there were similarities and differences too. I mentioned their tones and how each author handled society. Langston Hughes had a more calm and collected viewpoint than Malcolm X. Whereas, Malcolm X faced self- degradation and regret. He became angry with himself, for not loving the way he is in the first place.
ReplyDeleteBut how they viewed themselves in society were similar. They both said that being white was more superior than the being black.