How It Feels to be Colored Me Book Summary
TL;DR
Zora Neale Hurston's 'How It Feels to Be Colored Me' is a vibrant autobiographical essay exploring race, identity, and self-pride in early 20th-century America.
What is How It Feels to be Colored Me about
'How It Feels to Be Colored Me' by Zora Neale Hurston is an autobiographical essay recounting her experiences as an African American woman in early 20th-century America. Hurston shares vivid episodes from her childhood in Eatonville and Jacksonville, Florida, reflecting on how these experiences shaped her understanding of race and identity. Originally published in 1928 in The World Tomorrow magazine, the essay delves into Hurston's realization of her racial identity, her pride in her individuality, and her view that race is context-dependent rather than an inherent trait.
How It Feels to be Colored Me 5 Key Takeaways
Race and Identity
Hurston argues that race is not an essential trait but emerges in specific social contexts. Her experiences in Eatonville and Jacksonville highlight how her sense of identity shifted depending on her environment.
Pride in Individuality
Despite societal perceptions, Hurston feels a deep sense of pride in her identity, advocating for self-acceptance and confidence.
Childhood Experiences
Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, a predominantly black town, offered her a unique perspective on race, contrasting sharply with her later experiences in Jacksonville.
Societal Perceptions
Hurston discusses how African Americans often navigate societal expectations by minimizing or exoticizing their racial identities to be seen as individuals.
Vivid Storytelling
Hurston uses colorful language and vivid stories from her life to convey complex ideas about race, identity, and self-worth.
Top How It Feels to be Colored Me Quotes
- 'I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes.'
- 'I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background.'
Who should read How It Feels to be Colored Me?
This essay is ideal for readers interested in African American literature, racial identity, and autobiographical works. It offers profound insights and inspiration for anyone exploring themes of self-acceptance and individuality.
How It Feels to be Colored Me Best Reviews
- 'Hurston’s essay is a masterful blend of personal reflection and cultural critique. Her vivid descriptions and unapologetic self-expression make it a timeless piece.' - The New York Times
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How It Feels to be Colored Me FAQs
How It Feels to Be Colored Me summary?
Hurston describes the tendency for African-Americans to minimize or exoticize their racial identities to escape discrimination or force others to treat them as individuals, illustrating the malleability of racial identity.
What is the message in How It Feels to Be Colored Me?
Hurston argues that race isn't an essential feature that a person is born with, but instead emerges in specific social contexts.
What is the author's purpose in How It Feels to Be Colored Me?
The purpose is to explain how good Hurston feels about herself regardless of the color of her skin.