The White Element In The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance, also known as "the New Negro Movement," is one of the most significant literary, cultural, and social movements in the history of African Americans. So far, in China, a lot of research has been done about the literary aspect of this movement, but not enough attention has been paid to its cultural and social aspects. As a social movement, it was initiated by both black intellectuals and white liberals. In a sense, it can be regarded as a product of biracial cooperation.Of the many white people involved in this movement, Carl Van Vechten is a case in point.Generally speaking, white people were involved in this movement mainly in three ways. First, many white writers made use of black materials in their literary works. Second, white people encouraged black writers to explore their own traditional materials with financial support.Finally, white people frequently visited Harlem and took part in the entertainment activities. Such efforts led to Black Vogue.Carl Van Vechten played an active and positive role in this movement. As a writer, he not only tried every possible means to encourage blacks in writing, but also wrote novels based on black community so as to help white readers have a better knowledge of black culture. He also acted as a patron, organizing various activities to promote the integration of black and white. Besides, as a photographer,he presented positive images of black people to the white world. His involvement can be attributed to three factors. The most important factor is that he was a lover of black culture and wanted to promote it. Another possibility is that he was homoerotic. At that time, such a desire could only be tolerated and fulfilled in the black community. In addition, he was an advocate of multiculturalism, with a strong belief that diversity would contribute to the prosperity of America.