Show the racial inequality in the poem “I, Too, Sing America.”

Answer

Show the racial inequality in the poem “I, Too, Sing America.” [NU: 2020]

Or, What picture of a Black American do you get from the poem “I, Too, Sing America?”

Langston Hughes’s (1901-1967) poem “I, Too, Sing America” (1926) is about racial inequality in America. The speaker is a black man who is treated unfairly. But he also speaks with hope that one day this injustice will end. The poem shows both the pain of inequality and the dream of equality.

Racial Inequality: At the beginning, the speaker says, “I, too, sing America.” This means he is proud to belong to the nation. He loves America and shares the same hope and dream. But he also feels the pain of racial inequality. He calls himself “the darker brother.” Because of his skin color, he is not given respect.

The racial inequality becomes clear when he is sent away to eat in the kitchen when guests come. This shows how Black people are separated and treated as inferior. He sadly says:

“They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes.”

Strength and Hope: But instead of crying, he laughs, eats well, and grows strong. This part shows his patience, hope, and strength. The speaker looks forward to the future. He says:

“Tomorrow,

I’ll be at the table

When company comes.”

Here, “tomorrow” means a better future when equality will come. At that time, nobody will dare to send him away. Society will have to accept him as equal.

In the end, he says that one day others will see how beautiful he is. They will feel ashamed of their discrimination. He ends with the line: “I, too, am America.” 

So, the poem portrays the painful racial inequality in America. The poem ends with the hope of a better future. It also sends a very strong message: America is not complete without its Black