Black Is Beautiful

Zora Neale Hurston was born in 1891 and died in 1960.She is one of the most important intellectuals in the Harlem Renaissance Period.She is also the first African American to collect and publish African American folklore.Therefore,she is also called African American novelists,playwrights,folklore researchers and anthropologist and so on.Hurston grew up in a small all-black town,without racial oppression and discrimination,and was influenced and nurtured by the black folk culture.So in the racist society with the segregation law prevailing,the black people being severely discriminated and oppressed by the whites,Hurston could praise the beauty of the black people,appreciate the charm of black folk culture and inherit and spread black folk culture.She was strongly proud of her race.Hurston did not advocate direct resistance to racial discrimination and oppression.She maintained a good relationship with the white people.From the point of view of an anthropologist,she focused on the daily and inner lives of the black people.In Hurston’s view and works,the blacks were not victim of racial oppression and discrimination,but a group of healthy and positive people.Hurston opposed to internalized racism and she thought the blacks were not social problem.The blacks were able to participate in social activities,to receive higher education,engage in a noble career,and make great contribution to the U.S.A.Hurston denied that she had double consciousness.She advocated that the black folk culture should keep their cultural traits,do not imitate,and exist for a long time to make contribution to American culture.Hurston showed her love and pride for her identity and black culture and did not attempt to describe the cruel oppression of the white and the miserable life of the black people.From 1940 s to 1950 s,the direct resistance to racial oppression represented by Richard Wright was popular.Hurston was neglected and regardless.In 1970 s,Hurston was rediscovered by Alice Walker.In the Black Power Movement,people put forward "Black is Beautiful" which is consistent with Hurston’s view.This thesis proves Hurston’s idea that black is beautiful from three aspects.Firstly,Hurston thought that the blacks have beautiful external appearance.Secondly Hurston thought that the blacks’ positive and passionate attitude towards life and their contribution to the development of American culture manifest that the black’s spirit is beautiful.Thirdly,Hurston indicated that the black folktales,music,hoodoo and sermons manifest the strong vitality and charm of black culture.The analysis of Hurston’s view on blackness,black is beautiful shows Hurston’s pride in being black,her cherishing of black folk culture and her strong resistance against racial discrimination.Hurston played a positive role in guiding the black scholars.