African American Poetry

Theme for English B

Author: Langston Hughes
Date: 18/04/19
Setting: 1959
Event: African American man in college
Characters: The black student, and the white instructor
Memorable Quote: "I guess you learn from me- although you're older -and white- and somewhat more free"

 "Theme for English B" is about a college student who has been asked to do an assignment, and he starts reflecting on several things about his life as a black college student. He mentions that he is the only black student in his class, and he expresses that not because of being black he is different from the rest of the people in the line "I guess being colored doesn't make me not like the same things other folks like who are other races." Nevertheless, he also says his paper will be "colored" because of him, and I believe this is because he, as a black person, has a perception of the world different from the one his classmates and instructor have. Additionally, he says that he is a part of the instructor and vice versa because, despite their races, they are Americans; however, he believes the instructor continuous being more free than him.
The poem has the thoughts of a young black man who is learning and growing but is highly aware of his condition as a black person in a world of "white people." It is well known that the story of African American people was brutal and terrible, and there has been a lot of fighting to eradicate racism not only in the US but in the world. Sadly, these people are still suffering, being punished, and even losing their lives just for being who they are. Therefore, even though it was written some time ago, this poem feels ageless to me because I believe that in today's world many black people are felling this way in schools, colleges, and even their neighborhoods, which is something to think about. It cannot be possible that after all the history and the fighting for human rights, there are still people who feel less free and live carefully in order to avoid being punished for the color of their skin.