Zora Neale Hurston’s autobiographical essay offers a poignant reflection on her journey of self-discovery, exploring racial identity and cultural experiences. Born in an all-Black town, she later encountered a world where her race defined her, shaping her perspective.
Historical Context of the Essay
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay How It Feels to Be Colored Me was written in 1928, a period marked by significant racial tension and cultural transformation in the United States. The Harlem Renaissance was in full bloom, fostering a resurgence of African American art, literature, and identity. Hurston, a central figure in this movement, used her work to explore themes of race, identity, and personal experience.
The essay reflects the broader societal context of the 1920s, including segregation, racism, and the struggle for equality. Hurston’s unique perspective, shaped by her upbringing in Eatonville, Florida—the first incorporated all-Black town in the U.S.—provides a distinct lens through which she examines her own racial consciousness. Her experiences in Eatonville, where racial identity was not a source of oppression, contrast sharply with her later encounters with racism in predominantly white spaces.
The essay also captures the duality of African American life during this era, balancing pride in Black culture with the challenges of navigating a society dominated by white norms. Hurston’s personal narrative serves as a microcosm for the collective experience of African Americans, offering a powerful commentary on race and identity during a pivotal moment in American history.
Themes in the Essay
Zora Neale Hurston explores themes of racial identity, self-perception, and the complexities of navigating a predominantly white world. Her essay delves into the duality of African American experiences, blending pride in Black culture with the challenges of societal racism.
The Concept of Race
Zora Neale Hurston examines the concept of race as a social construct rather than a biological fact. She reflects on how race shapes identity and interactions, particularly in a society dominated by white norms and expectations. Hurston experiences race as both a source of pride and a barrier, highlighting the tension between internal self-perception and external societal judgments. Her essay illustrates how race influences daily life, from subtle glances to overt discrimination, revealing its pervasive impact. By sharing personal anecdotes, Hurston humanizes the abstract concept of race, making it relatable and tangible. Her perspective challenges readers to consider race not just as a label, but as a lived experience fraught with complexity and emotion.
Identity Formation
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay delves into the complexities of identity formation, particularly for African Americans navigating a predominantly white society. Her experiences illustrate how race and culture intertwine to shape self-perception. Growing up in the all-Black town of Eatonville, Hurston initially felt a sense of belonging and pride in her heritage. However, as she encountered racial segregation and prejudice, her identity became increasingly complex. She grappled with the tension between embracing her Blackness and conforming to societal expectations rooted in whiteness. Hurston’s journey of self-discovery highlights the emotional and psychological challenges of forging an identity in a world that often seeks to define her. Her narrative underscores the resilience required to maintain one’s sense of self amidst external pressures. Through her story, Hurston challenges readers to reflect on how societal constructs influence personal identity and the importance of reclaiming one’s cultural heritage.
Personal Experiences of the Author
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay recounts her personal journey from a sheltered childhood in Eatonville to racial awakening in a predominantly white world. Her experiences of displacement and self-discovery shaped her perspective on identity and belonging, offering a deeply emotional account of her transformation.
Childhood in Eatonville
Zora Neale Hurston’s early life in Eatonville, Florida, was marked by a sense of freedom and racial pride. As the first incorporated all-Black town in the United States, Eatonville provided a sanctuary where African American culture thrived. Hurston’s childhood was filled with stories, folklore, and a strong sense of community, which fostered her early identity. She recalls the vibrant streets, the porch gatherings, and the oral traditions that shaped her worldview. This environment instilled in her a pride in her heritage, allowing her to see herself as an individual rather than a member of a marginalized group. Herfather, John Cornelius Hurston, a Baptist preacher and mayor of Eatonville, played a pivotal role in her early life, emphasizing self-reliance and racial self-respect. The absence of overt racism in her childhood shielded her from the harsh realities of racial discrimination, creating a foundation of confidence and self-assuredness that would later contrast with her experiences in the broader world.
Racial Awareness in Adolescence
Zora Neale Hurston’s racial awareness emerged during her adolescence, marking a profound shift in her understanding of identity. Growing up in the all-Black town of Eatonville, she had not experienced overt racism. However, when she left Eatonville, she encountered a world where race became a defining feature. Her move to a predominantly white school in Jacksonville exposed her to the harsh realities of racial prejudice. For the first time, she felt the weight of her race, experiencing feelings of alienation and self-consciousness. This period marked her transition from a carefree childhood to an awareness of societal racial divisions. Hurston vividly describes how she began to see herself through the eyes of others, grappling with the complexities of racial identity. Her adolescence became a time of questioning and self-discovery, as she navigated the tension between her pride in her heritage and the external forces that sought to define her. This duality shaped her perspective on race, influencing her later writing and worldview.
Cultural Significance
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me,” holds profound cultural significance as a powerful exploration of racial identity and personal experience. Written in 1928, it captures the essence of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of flourishing Black cultural expression. Hurston’s vivid narrative voice and unflinching honesty provide a unique perspective on race, challenging stereotypes and offering an intimate glimpse into the Black experience. The essay’s cultural impact lies in its ability to bridge the gap between personal storytelling and broader societal issues, resonating with readers across generations. It has become a cornerstone of African-American literature, celebrated for its authenticity and its contribution to the dialogue on race and identity. Hurston’s work continues to inspire discussions on cultural identity, making it a timeless piece in American literary history.
Impact and Reception
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay initially received mixed reviews but gained prominence during the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s. Its raw authenticity and celebration of African-American culture resonated deeply, making it a cornerstone of racial discourse and literary history.
Contemporary Reception
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay has experienced a renaissance in contemporary discourse, particularly in academic and cultural circles. Its unflinching exploration of racial identity resonates deeply in today’s conversations about diversity and inclusion. The essay is now widely studied in educational institutions, often featured in syllabi focusing on African-American literature and critical race theory. Many scholars praise its raw honesty and the ways it challenges stereotypical narratives about Black experiences. Hurston’s vivid storytelling and refusal to conform to societal expectations of how a Black woman should write have made the essay a cornerstone of feminist and postcolonial studies. Public reception has also grown, with readers appreciating its relevance to modern discussions on race and identity. The essay’s ability to bridge the past and present has solidified its place as a timeless work, inspiring new generations to reflect on their own experiences with race and culture. Its enduring popularity underscores Hurston’s legacy as a pioneering voice in American literature.
Lasting Legacy
Zora Neale Hurston’s “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” has left an indelible mark on American literature and cultural discourse. Its influence extends beyond its original publication, shaping discussions on race, identity, and personal narrative. The essay’s candid exploration of Hurston’s experiences has inspired countless writers and scholars, particularly in the realms of African-American studies and feminist theory. It has become a foundational text for understanding the complexities of racial identity and the resilience of Black culture. Hurston’s work has also played a pivotal role in challenging stereotypes and fostering a more nuanced understanding of the Black experience. The essay’s enduring relevance is evident in its continued inclusion in academic curricula and its adaptation into various forms of media. Today, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” is celebrated not only as a literary masterpiece but also as a powerful testament to the importance of authentic storytelling. Its legacy continues to grow, ensuring that Hurston’s voice remains a vital part of ongoing conversations about race, culture, and identity.
Zora Neale Hurston’s “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” is a powerful exploration of race, identity, and personal experience, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative. The essay captures Hurston’s journey from the innocence of her childhood in an all-Black town to the stark realization of racial consciousness in a broader, segregated world. Through vivid imagery and candid reflection, Hurston challenges readers to confront the complexities of racial identity and the ways in which society imposes labels on individuals. Her writing not only provides a window into her own life but also speaks to the broader African-American experience, emphasizing themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the search for belonging. The essay’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to spark conversations about race, culture, and identity, making it a timeless piece of American literature. Hurston’s voice remains a vital part of these discussions, reminding readers of the importance of understanding and embracing one’s heritage in a world shaped by social constructs.