Term Paper on "The Autobiography
of an ex-colored man"
To
understand the deep-rooted racial problem of the United States of America, one
has to go an extra mile by researching the phenomena objectively. A large
quantum of published material and diversified viewpoints are available on the
subject. “The Autobiography of An Ex-colored Man” written by James Weldon
Johnson, tops the list of collections on the political and economic cum
sociological problems. To elaborate this multi dimensional problem in length and
with special reference to the James Weldon Johnson work, it seems relevant to
introduce the author in first place. 1871, is the birth year of James Weldon
Johnson. His birthplace is Jacksonville, Florida. Johnson studied the English
literature and European musical tradition with heart and soul. A revolutionary
and political oriented by nature and birth he was determined to further the
black people cause after the completion of studies. As a target oriented person,
he joined Jacksonville/ high school in the capacity of principal as his first
assignment. He was recognized when he wrote the song, “Lift Every Voice and
Sing” on the eve of Lincoln’s birthday. This song made him popular in the length
and breadth of the United States of America over nights. Black community of the
America named this song as the “Negro National Anthem”. In 1901, Johnson moved
to New York to venture with his brother in the music world. His brother Rosamond
was already in the run. Rosamond was enjoying a good standing of a brilliant
composure at that time. Johnson got some success in the field. He used to write
songs for Broadway. Restless and unsettled he switched over to diplomatic corps
and took his assignment as US Consul to Venezuela in 1906. In the meanwhile he
kept continued publishing his poems in the Century Magazine and the Independent.
Johnson published the autobiography of an Ex-colored Man, under a pen name in
1912. Johnson was a born organizer and very ably he netted together a huge mass
of different conflicting ideological agendas to work for one agreed upon
purpose, the cause of colored people. He was crowned with the honor of National
Organizer of the National Association for the Advanced of colored people (NAACP)
in recognition his selfless services. Another great job done by Johnson was the
editing of the book of American Negro Poetry (1922). It was a major contribution
to the history of African-American literature. Another valuable work performed
by Johnson was the compilation of his poetry under the title of Gods.
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He took a life long interest in the African-American folk tradition. He lived an
enthralled and successful life. The autobiography of an Ex-colored Man is a
fictional account in first person narrative form by the great craftsman of
words, James Weldon Johnson. Many if not Darwinian one treat the viewpoint
presented in the novel as cynical. He advocated the mixing of black people with
light skinned folk and has termed it as a “most natural” one. He considered it
purely an economic necessity. Honestly speaking this viewpoint surprise
considerably as to actualize the American dreams. It’s a blunt ploy and negative
tactics. The Black Nationalist must protest this Marxist approach and it also
invites the humanist attention as it seems not moral and fine as well.
As the arguments are based on poverty, if the humanist took the author to the
task, they will meet some difficulties tackling the issue at first phase;
however, they will emerge victorious in the end. When the novel was published in
1912, no doubt America, at that time, was offering very little opportunities to
the black community. Negroes were largely appointed with the porter’s job for
the railroads. Johnson’s hero is a practical person with clear vision and
approach. He has the courage to face odds and laugh in the face of horror. "I
have since learned that this ability to laugh heartily is, in part, the
salvation of the American Negro; it does much to keep him from going the way of
the Indian." (Johnson, 1995)
He is not optimistic that he will be able to thwart the oppressor until he
realizes that he is the one who volunteered to be suppressed. The very
revelation forced the situation around to change. The complex character
confronts readers with difficulties to identify motives and draw conclusions.
The author failed to conceive himself in his true wish and in the process of
confession succumbed to his own philosophy. Bringing glory and honor to the
Negro race, he adversely exposed by serving personal choices to pass as white. A
millionaire friend suggests to ex-colored man that on all accounts you are a
white man, then why you are bent upon to destroy your life amidst poverty and
ignorance, in the hopeless struggle of the black people of the Unites States.
"My boy, you are by blood, by appearance, by education and by tastes, a white
man. Now why do you want to throw your life away amidst the poverty and
ignorance, in the hopeless struggle of the black people of the Unites States?"
(Johnson, 1995)
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Economic necessity and racial identity in the “The Autobiography of An
Ex-colored Man” is an interesting account of underprivileged communities and is
a must read. This is such a fascinating novel that can be remembered for a long
time. Following is a selective part from the original work. “This was rag-time
music, then a novelty in New York, and just growing to be a rage, which has not
yet subsided. It originated in the questionable resorts about Memphis and St.
Louis by Negro piano-players who knew no more to the theory of music than they
did of the theory of the universe, but was guided by natural musical instinct
and talent. It made its way to Chicago, where it was popular some time before it
reached New York. These players often improvised crude and, at times, vulgar
words to fit the melodies. This was the beginning of the ragtime song. The white
man, the words slightly altered, and published under the names of the arrangers,
took several of these improvisations down. They sprang into immediate popularity
and earned small fortunes, of which the Negro originators got only a few
dollars. But I have learned that since that time a number of coloured men, of
not only musical talent, but also training are writing out their own melodies
and words and reaping the reward of their work. I have learned also that they
have a large number of white imitators and adulterators.” (Johnson, 1995)
Works Cited
Johnson, James Weldon. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. Boston: Sherman,
French & Company, 1912. Reissued by Dover Publications, 1995.
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