Think about the roaring twenties. What do you see? You probably imagine flapper dresses, nightclubs, pencil mustaches, old movies, and jazz; but do you also picture poverty, the growth of intolerance, and the increasing struggle of black Americans living in the U.S? Probably not. Even though the twenties brought about one of the most cultural, artistic, and political eras of our country, there were still downsides to this golden age. When we think of times where everything was at peace and there was an abundance of intellectual growth, we think of Classical Athens, the Italian Renaissance, and the Han Dynasty.
Athens brought about math, some forms of democracy, philosophies, and had advanced architecture. The Italian Renaissance overflowed with amazing art and progressed in education. Yet, we don’t see that Athens was always at war, heavily segregated by gender, and practiced slavery; and the Italian Renaissance had the plague to deal with and put appearances and money on a pedestal. America’s own golden age was no different.
The 1920s had four major problems. Agriculture, failing industries, social problems, and of course, racism. During the 1920s, almost half of the population were living under the poverty line. This includes American farmers who battled against poverty, lived in unsustainable conditions, and made a third of what an average worker makes. This could be because of the unneeded corporations at that time. Coal and Textile factories were losing money, and in turn could not pay their employees enough. Along with the prevalent discrimination against those of a different race.
Yet, these downsides still didn’t outshine the good that the 1920s brought along.
The Harlem Renaissance, also known as the ‘new negro movement,’ was a huge turning point in black culture. This golden age lasted roughly from the 1910s until the early 1930s. It was cut short due to the Great Depression. The Harlem Renaissance started when many African American families migrated from the South to the North. There were many reasons for this but it was mainly to find new opportunities in the North and escape the harsh South. Not only this, because of the need for workers, many factories promised jobs for the migrants. The article states, ‘With war production kicking into high gear, recruiters enticed African Americans to come north,’ (Great Migration). This was a perfect opportunity, as they had housing and now an income. It was also the reason why 300,000 were already settled in Harlem by the 1920s.
Furthermore, it birthed an environment where creative authors, poets, journalists, and editors could write original content instead of trying to imitate their white counterparts. ‘While some black poets continued to write primarily in traditional English literary forms, others explored black vernacular speech and lyrical forms while creating works that identified with the African American masses,’ (Literature and Poetry of the Harlem Renaissance). Among these writers were Langston Hughes, Angelina Grim, Jean Toomer, Zora Hurston, and Jessie Fauset just to name a few. These authors were a fundamental aspect to the harlem renaissance because they were able to take control of how African Americans were portrayed and viewed.
It didn’t stop at literature either. The music scene during these times was very unique and is still sought after to this day; and because of the Harlem Renaissance we have jazz. As the author indicated, ‘No aspect of the Harlem Renaissance shaped America and the entire world as much as jazz. Jazz flouted many musical conventions with its syncopated rhythms and improvised instrumental solos. Thousands of city dwellers flocked night after night to see the same performers,’ (The Harlem Renaissance). Not only this, every single artist had their own unique twist on the genre and could not be copied. This is the main reason why we can’t replicate the spirit these clubs had.
The Harlem Renaissance also changed the playing field for African Americans. Based on the article, ‘The Harlem Renaissance’s impact on America was indelible. The movement brought notice to the great works of African American art, and inspired and influenced future generations of African American artists and intellectuals. The self-portrait of African American life, identity, and culture that emerged from Harlem was transmitted to the world at large, challenging the racist and disparaging stereotypes of the Jim Crow South. In doing so, it radically redefined how people of other races viewed African Americans and understood the African American experience,’ (A new African American Identity). For once, black culture was on the spotlight and was accepted. Although not by everyone. White supremacists terrorized the south, and soon spread to other parts of the U.S. This is something that we still have to fight to this day in 2019, almost 100 years later.
In conclusion, like any golden age there are downsides. Yet, it doesn’t change the fact that it was a golden age. Without the Harlem Renaissance, who knows where black Americans might stand in today’s society. African Americans built this country and were finally recognized. Black culture is everywhere in America, and is even seen in other countries.
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