Zora Neale Hurston: How It Feels To Be Colored Me

"How It Feels to Be Colored Me," penned by Zora Neale Hurston, explores the subjective experience of racial identity during the Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant period of artistic and intellectual flourishing. Ethnography, the qualitative study of human societies, provides a methodological lens through which to analyze Hurston’s personal reflections on race and culture. The essay directly challenges the institutionalized racism prevalent in the United States, offering a counter-narrative to the dominant racial discourse. Hurston’s narrative voice conveys the nuances of “how it feels to be colored me Zora Neale Hurston,” demonstrating resilience and pride amidst systemic oppression.

Zora Neale Hurston stands as a towering figure in American literature and anthropology, forever linked with the vibrant cultural explosion of the Harlem Renaissance. A novelist, folklorist, and essayist, Hurston's work is characterized by its celebration of Black culture, particularly that of the American South, and its exploration of identity with a refreshing and often provocative perspective.

Her literary contributions extend beyond mere storytelling; they represent a conscious effort to preserve and elevate Black voices and traditions. From her novels like Their Eyes Were Watching God to her anthropological studies of Southern folklore, Hurston consistently challenged conventional narratives and offered a nuanced portrayal of Black life.

"How It Feels to Be Colored Me": A Seminal Exploration

Among her diverse body of work, the essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" occupies a special place. It's a concise yet profound meditation on identity, race, and self-perception, written with Hurston's signature wit and unapologetic individuality.

Rather than presenting a lament of racial oppression, Hurston's essay embraces a more complex and dynamic understanding of her own identity. She navigates the shifting landscapes of racial consciousness, demonstrating how her feelings about being "colored" evolve depending on her environment.

The essay is not simply a personal reflection; it's a cultural artifact that captures the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. It reflects the movement's emphasis on Black pride and self-determination while also acknowledging the persistent realities of racial discrimination.

Thesis: A Multifaceted Understanding of Racial Identity

At the heart of "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" lies a deeply personal and culturally informed exploration of racial identity. Through her evocative prose, Hurston constructs a complex and dynamic understanding of what it means to be "colored" in America.

This understanding, as the essay reveals, is profoundly shaped by several key factors:

• Her formative experiences growing up in Eatonville, Florida, an all-Black town that fostered a strong sense of self-worth and community.
• The rich tapestry of Black Southern culture, which provided her with a wellspring of artistic and spiritual inspiration.
• Her active engagement with the intellectual and artistic currents of the Harlem Renaissance, which challenged conventional notions of race and identity.

By examining these influences, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Hurston's unique perspective on race and the enduring relevance of her work in contemporary discussions of identity. Hurston's narrative and observations are more than historical accounts; they are vital to understanding the ongoing evolution of racial discourse.

Eatonville: A Foundation of Self-Acceptance

Zora Neale Hurston stands as a towering figure in American literature and anthropology, forever linked with the vibrant cultural explosion of the Harlem Renaissance. A novelist, folklorist, and essayist, Hurston's work is characterized by its celebration of Black culture, particularly that of the American South, and its exploration of identity with a unique blend of pride and self-assuredness. "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" offers a profound window into these themes, revealing the formative experiences that shaped her perspective. Central to understanding Hurston's resilient sense of self is the environment in which she was raised: the all-Black town of Eatonville, Florida.

Eatonville: A Sanctuary of Self

Eatonville was not merely Hurston's hometown; it was the bedrock of her identity. As one of the first self-governing all-Black municipalities in the United States, Eatonville provided a unique social and cultural context for its residents. Unlike many African Americans of her time, Hurston did not grow up under the constant shadow of white supremacy. Eatonville fostered a sense of self-sufficiency and pride, allowing its citizens to thrive without the pervasive discrimination that defined much of the American landscape.

Insulation from Overt Racism

The town's most significant contribution to Hurston's development was its insulation from the overt racism prevalent in the Jim Crow South. While the outside world was marred by segregation and racial violence, Eatonville operated as a haven. This protective environment allowed Hurston to develop a strong sense of self-worth, unmarred by the psychological damage inflicted by systemic racism.

This nurturing atmosphere allowed her to internalize a positive self-image. It was unburdened by the demeaning stereotypes and prejudices that haunted many of her contemporaries.

The Absence of the White Gaze

Crucially, the absence of the "white gaze" in her early years profoundly shaped Hurston's perspective. Without the constant scrutiny and judgment of white society, she was free to develop a sense of normalcy and self-acceptance. This freedom allowed her to define herself on her own terms, rather than being defined by the racial biases of others.

This foundational experience imbued her with a remarkable confidence and individuality. This would later become hallmarks of her literary voice.

Contrasting Realities: Life Beyond Eatonville

The profound impact of Eatonville becomes even clearer when contrasted with the experiences of African Americans who grew up in more racially oppressive environments. For many, daily life was marked by constant reminders of their second-class status. These ranged from blatant acts of discrimination to subtle forms of microaggression.

Growing up under such conditions often led to feelings of internalized racism, self-doubt, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Consider the narratives of figures like Richard Wright, whose works vividly depict the dehumanizing effects of racial prejudice in the Jim Crow South. Wright's characters often grapple with feelings of alienation, anger, and despair, reflecting the psychological toll of living under constant oppression.

Similarly, the autobiographies of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington highlight the challenges of navigating a society that actively sought to limit the opportunities and potential of Black individuals.

These experiences stand in stark contrast to Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville. Her work demonstrates how a community that nurtured Black pride and self-determination could serve as a powerful antidote to the corrosive effects of racism.

The Harlem Renaissance: An Intellectual and Artistic Awakening

Zora Neale Hurston stands as a towering figure in American literature and anthropology, forever linked with the vibrant cultural explosion of the Harlem Renaissance. A novelist, folklorist, and essayist, Hurston's work is characterized by its celebration of Black culture, particularly that of the American South. This section explores her significant role in this movement and how it molded her artistic and intellectual path.

Hurston's Role in the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance, a period of extraordinary artistic and intellectual flourishing in the 1920s and 1930s, served as a crucible for Black self-expression. Hurston was not merely a participant, but a catalyst.

Her unique voice, blending anthropological insight with literary flair, made her a standout figure among the writers, artists, and intellectuals who converged in Harlem. She embraced the era's core tenets of Black pride, cultural affirmation, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Black Pride, Cultural Expression, and Intellectual Achievement

The Harlem Renaissance was fueled by a collective desire to challenge racial stereotypes and celebrate Black heritage. This emphasis on Black pride resonated deeply with Hurston, whose upbringing in the self-governed Black town of Eatonville, Florida, had instilled in her a strong sense of racial identity and cultural pride.

The movement's focus on cultural expression provided Hurston with a platform to showcase the richness and complexity of Black Southern folklore, dialect, and traditions, which she meticulously documented in her anthropological research and wove into her literary works. The intellectual ferment of the era pushed her to engage with complex questions of race, identity, and the African American experience.

Influential Figures: Locke and Hughes

The intellectual landscape of the Harlem Renaissance was shaped by influential figures who profoundly impacted Hurston's understanding of her identity. Alain Locke, often regarded as the "Dean" of the Harlem Renaissance, championed the "New Negro" movement, which encouraged African Americans to embrace their cultural heritage and strive for intellectual and artistic achievement.

Locke's philosophy encouraged Hurston to see Black culture as a source of strength and inspiration. Langston Hughes, a leading poet and writer of the Harlem Renaissance, also played a significant role in Hurston's artistic development. Both collaborated on several projects, though their relationship later became strained.

Hughes's focus on the everyday experiences of Black people and his use of vernacular language likely influenced Hurston's own literary style and her commitment to representing Black voices authentically.

Navigating Complexities

The Harlem Renaissance was not without its internal tensions and contradictions. While it celebrated Black culture, it also grappled with questions of assimilation, the expectations of white patrons, and the diverse perspectives within the Black community.

Hurston navigated these complexities by remaining true to her artistic vision and her commitment to portraying Black life in all its richness and complexity. She used her platform to challenge stereotypes, celebrate Black culture, and explore the nuances of racial identity in a rapidly changing America. The period challenged her and solidified her resolve to articulate the Black experience in its full complexity, a legacy that continues to inspire.

Black Southern Culture: A Wellspring of Inspiration

[The Harlem Renaissance: An Intellectual and Artistic Awakening Zora Neale Hurston stands as a towering figure in American literature and anthropology, forever linked with the vibrant cultural explosion of the Harlem Renaissance. A novelist, folklorist, and essayist, Hurston's work is characterized by its celebration of Black culture, particularly through the lens of her Southern upbringing. This foundation provided her with an unparalleled perspective on Black identity, one deeply rooted in the traditions and experiences of the American South.]

Hurston's unique upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated all-Black town in the United States, was instrumental in shaping her profound connection to Black Southern culture. This environment served not only as a refuge from the racial prejudices prevalent in other parts of the country, but also as a rich incubator of cultural traditions and artistic expressions that profoundly influenced her literary and anthropological work.

The Eatonville Influence: Vernacular Traditions and Storytelling

Eatonville provided Hurston with a deep and abiding appreciation for the richness and complexity of Black vernacular traditions. Unlike many of her contemporaries who sought to distance themselves from Southern Black culture, Hurston embraced its unique forms of expression, including its dialect, music, and oral storytelling traditions.

• Oral Storytelling: Eatonville was alive with storytelling, where tall tales, folk narratives, and lively anecdotes were daily fare. Hurston absorbed these narratives, recognizing their intrinsic value as cultural artifacts.

• Vernacular Language: The distinct dialect spoken in Eatonville, characterized by its rhythmic cadences and colorful expressions, became a cornerstone of Hurston’s writing. She captured its essence with remarkable fidelity, preserving its nuances and giving voice to a community often marginalized in mainstream literature.

• Folkways and Customs: The customs and traditions of Eatonville, from religious practices to social gatherings, instilled in Hurston a sense of cultural pride and belonging. These folkways, passed down through generations, provided her with a deep understanding of Black Southern life.

This immersion in Eatonville’s vibrant cultural landscape shaped her worldview, providing her with a unique lens through which to explore and celebrate Black identity. She recognized the inherent beauty and wisdom embedded within these traditions, and she dedicated her life to preserving and sharing them with the world.

Anthropological Preservation: Celebrating Black Heritage

Hurston's commitment to Black Southern culture extended beyond her literary pursuits. Her anthropological work, particularly her meticulous collection of folklore, was crucial in preserving and celebrating Black cultural heritage. Recognizing the importance of documenting these traditions before they were lost, Hurston embarked on extensive fieldwork throughout the South, immersing herself in the lives and experiences of the people she studied.

• Mules and Men (1935): This seminal work is a testament to Hurston's ethnographic skill and her deep respect for Black folklore. The book showcases a diverse collection of folktales, songs, and anecdotes gathered from her fieldwork in Florida.

• Tell My Horse (1938): This book examines African-derived religious practices, such as Vodou, in Haiti and Jamaica. It demonstrates Hurston’s broader interest in the African diaspora and its cultural manifestations.

Through these works, Hurston not only preserved invaluable cultural material, but also challenged prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions about Black Southern culture. She presented a nuanced and complex portrayal of Black life, highlighting its resilience, creativity, and spiritual depth.

Her anthropological work served as a form of cultural activism, reclaiming Black heritage from the margins and placing it at the center of scholarly attention. She viewed folklore as a vital source of historical and cultural knowledge, and she believed that its preservation was essential for understanding the Black experience.

In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's profound connection to Black Southern culture served as a constant source of cultural pride and artistic inspiration. It was the bedrock upon which she built her literary and anthropological legacy, shaping her distinctive voice and informing her exploration of race, identity, and self-expression. Her work stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength and beauty of Black Southern traditions, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

Patronage and its Complexities: The Influence of Charlotte Osgood Mason

Zora Neale Hurston stands as a towering figure in American literature and anthropology, forever linked with the vibrant cultural explosion of the Harlem Renaissance. A novelist, folklorist, and essayist, Hurston's work is characterized by its celebration of Black Southern culture and its nuanced exploration of identity. However, like many artists of her time, Hurston's career was significantly shaped by the patronage system, most notably her relationship with Charlotte Osgood Mason, a wealthy and influential white woman. This relationship, while providing crucial financial support, also presented complex power dynamics and potential artistic constraints that warrant careful examination.

The Patron-Artist Dynamic

The dynamic between Hurston and Mason exemplifies the complicated nature of patronage. Mason, a self-proclaimed "godmother" to several Black artists, provided Hurston with financial assistance, enabling her to conduct research, travel, and write.

This support was undeniably instrumental in Hurston's career, allowing her to pursue projects that would have been impossible otherwise. The monetary support and freedom from immediate financial constraints allowed her to travel south and engage deeply with rural black communities.

However, this support came with strings attached. Mason exerted considerable control over Hurston's work, dictating the subjects she should study and the ways in which she should present her findings.

This control raises critical questions about artistic autonomy and the potential for exploitation within patronage relationships.

Mason's Expectations and Artistic Constraints

Mason's interest in Black culture stemmed from a romanticized and somewhat paternalistic view of primitivism. She believed that Black people possessed a unique, unspoiled connection to nature and the spiritual world.

Consequently, she expected Hurston to focus on these "primitive" aspects of Black culture, often discouraging her from exploring more complex or politically charged themes.

This expectation placed Hurston in a difficult position. On one hand, she needed Mason's financial support to continue her work.

On the other hand, she risked compromising her artistic vision and perpetuating stereotypes in order to satisfy her patron's demands.

The extent to which Mason's expectations shaped Hurston's creative output remains a subject of debate among scholars. Some argue that Hurston skillfully navigated this relationship, using Mason's money to pursue her own artistic goals while strategically catering to her patron's interests.

Others contend that Mason's influence led Hurston to downplay the realities of racial oppression and to present a somewhat idealized view of Black Southern life.

It is undeniable that Mason's financial support allowed Hurston access and freedom in her creative endeavors. It is also undeniable that this came at a cost to Hurston’s freedom of expression.

Self-Presentation and Authenticity

The constraints placed upon Hurston extended beyond her literary work and touched upon her very presentation of self. It is documented that Mason had specific expectations about Hurston’s clothing and appearance.

The image of “authentic” blackness which Mason so desired to support was also a curated product.

Hurston, in turn, adopted a persona that aligned with Mason's expectations, presenting herself as a "primitive" artist who was deeply connected to her cultural roots. While there is no doubt that Hurston cherished her Southern upbringing, it is not unreasonable to expect her behavior was partially performative.

This raises questions about the authenticity of Hurston's self-presentation and the extent to which she felt compelled to play a role in order to maintain Mason's support.

A Legacy of Complicated Beneficence

The relationship between Zora Neale Hurston and Charlotte Osgood Mason serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of patronage. While Mason's financial support undoubtedly played a crucial role in Hurston's career, it also came with significant constraints that potentially shaped her artistic vision and self-presentation.

Understanding this dynamic is essential for a comprehensive appreciation of Hurston's work and for a critical examination of the power dynamics that often exist within the art world.

So, next time you're feeling a little lost or unsure of yourself, maybe give "How It Feels To Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston a read. It's a reminder that identity is what you make it, a vibrant tapestry woven with joy, resilience, and a whole lot of soul. Just like Zora Neale Hurston, “How It Feels To Be Colored Me” teaches us to embrace every shade of ourselves, and to dance to the rhythm of our own unique drums.