Claude Mckay Research Paper
Paige Miller
Dr. Johmann
HON HUM 152
15 April 2011
Identity Struggles of Claude McKay
For many American immigrants, actually arriving in their new country is only half the battle; then begins the struggle to find a home, secure a job, and begin their lives all over again. American immigrants also struggle to achieve the balance of keeping their native culture alive, while adapting to their new country’s identity. This was especially hard for Harlem Renaissance writer Claude McKay, as he was born in Jamaica, strongly identified with African Americans, but wanted an American identity all at the same time. In addition to these inner struggles, American racial attitudes of the time also had a major impact on McKay, specifically the country’s opinions toward African Americans. Overall, McKay’s assimilation into American culture was heavily affected by his race.
As a black man emigrating from Jamaica to America, Claude McKay was highly influenced by the concept of black double-consciousness, and the pressure and desire to have both a black and an …show more content…
Many immigrants to the United States also struggle with finding and keeping a balance of the uniqueness of their native culture while also adopting some practices of the culture of their new country. This was especially true of Claude McKay, a Jamaican born writer most known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance. McKay strongly identified with African Americans, but wanted an American identity all at the same time. In addition to these inner struggles, American racial attitudes of the time also had a major impact on McKay, specifically the country’s opinions toward African Americans. Overall, McKay’s assimilation into American culture was heavily affected by his race. Although McKay participated actively in the Harlem Renaissance, he never saw himself as anything more than a Caribbean
Dr. Johmann
HON HUM 152
15 April 2011
Identity Struggles of Claude McKay
For many American immigrants, actually arriving in their new country is only half the battle; then begins the struggle to find a home, secure a job, and begin their lives all over again. American immigrants also struggle to achieve the balance of keeping their native culture alive, while adapting to their new country’s identity. This was especially hard for Harlem Renaissance writer Claude McKay, as he was born in Jamaica, strongly identified with African Americans, but wanted an American identity all at the same time. In addition to these inner struggles, American racial attitudes of the time also had a major impact on McKay, specifically the country’s opinions toward African Americans. Overall, McKay’s assimilation into American culture was heavily affected by his race.
As a black man emigrating from Jamaica to America, Claude McKay was highly influenced by the concept of black double-consciousness, and the pressure and desire to have both a black and an …show more content…
Many immigrants to the United States also struggle with finding and keeping a balance of the uniqueness of their native culture while also adopting some practices of the culture of their new country. This was especially true of Claude McKay, a Jamaican born writer most known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance. McKay strongly identified with African Americans, but wanted an American identity all at the same time. In addition to these inner struggles, American racial attitudes of the time also had a major impact on McKay, specifically the country’s opinions toward African Americans. Overall, McKay’s assimilation into American culture was heavily affected by his race. Although McKay participated actively in the Harlem Renaissance, he never saw himself as anything more than a Caribbean