Tones of Malcolm X/Langston Hughes

“Hair” by Malcolm X and “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes are both written based on racism and how the white status was measured above the black status. However, the tone qualities of the two authors were different. Langston Hughes wrote in a calm and playful tone. He wrote a poem to his white instructor for his English class and wrote about how the black people were not equivalent to the white people. He identifies the white status by addressing, “although you’re older-and white-and somewhat more free.” However, although there was racism, he also believed that the black and white people were equal. He wrote about individuality by saying “I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love.” This sentence showed that he was just like any normal person. Langston Hughes was honest in his poem and proud to be himself. For instance, he wrote, “Being me, it will not be white.” Furthermore, he believed that everyone was equal no matter what skin color they were. He expressed equality by saying “yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.” That meant that the part whole was one. On the other hand, Malcolm X wrote in a disappointed and angry tone. He was unhappy with his appearance because he wanted to become white an took an effort to conform. The black people would “violate and mutilate their God-created bodies to try to look pretty by white standards.” Malcolm dyed his hair and went through physical pain towards self-degradation. He believed that the black people were inferior and the white people were superior. His tone used in the story seemed full of disgust. After he had dyed his hair, he felt regret and was angry with himself for his own actions. Overall, the two pieces both focus on the theme of racial discrimination and the social classes. However, they are contrasted by the tones where Langston sounded unperturbed and Malcolm X sounded hostile.