Introduction
In Langston Hughes’ poem, ‘Let America Be America Again,’ he shows the contrasting natures between the American dream and the actual day to day realities. The poem shows what America has become, something that is quite different from what the founding fathers intended it to be. To the author, America was a land of equality and freedom, but with time, it has turned out to be a place filled with widespread oppression, inequality, and greed. The issue of race has arguably been the most significant, prevailing social problem in a country with several diverse peoples and cultures. Hence, this paper will focus on the ‘race’ situation in America, as explained in this poem. Using the critical race theory as the guide for research, the study will provide a critical examination of how different cultures and societies respond to race, power, and the concept of the ‘American Dream.’ The study will investigate the possibilities of changing the relationship between racial power and enforcement of laws. Furthermore, by analyzing different concepts in the point, it will discuss the anti-subordination and racial emancipation challenges in the USA.
Is The ‘American Dream’ Still Alive?
The ‘American Dream‘ is a concept that is echoed in every American society and cemented in people’s identity. A majority of Americans believe that with a positive mindset, and by working hard, one can achieve his or her dreams. However, in Langston Hughes’ poem, African Americans went through various obstacles in their effort to make and enjoy the fruits of the ‘American Dream.’ The poem further highlights Jim Crow’s segregation laws, which were inflicted on the ‘blacks’ living in the southern parts of the country. African Americans were denied basic social amenities; they suffered and were mistreated in all corners of society. The author notes that, although slavery was abolished during the civil war, discrimination based on race did not end. Instead, it grew slowly and established itself in the hearts and minds of many in American society.
Oppression and Greed Are Still Present In American Societies
Not every ‘white man’ living in America is rich. The poem shows that a significant number of them have been fooled into thinking they all share equal responsibilities and casted out of society. Even the ‘black’ man carries the pains of slavery on his face. The immigrants who came feeling hopeful of a brighter future have also suffered under the chains of greed and corruption. According to Hughes, the desire to amass more wealth, profit, and power has given rise to greed and lies. Workers continue to suffer like slaves by working for long hours under the laws established by capitalists, who only want to enrich themselves.
America Will Be Poor Like It’s Basic, Minimum-Wage Workers
According to Hughes, the country will continue to suffer the pangs of poverty as long as its ‘black’ craftsmen and farmers keep on being miserable. The ‘black’ farmer continues to be bound to his machines, and the craftsman’s life is caught continuously between ‘bolts and nuts.’ He shows that although the ‘negro’ contributes a lot to the growth of the economy, he or she is still inferior and considered a slave to all.
The idea of the ‘American Dream’ is still a reality; it has been eroded by the lack of opportunities and growth facing such disadvantaged societies in America. Hence, the constant need to acquire more wealth will give rise to new evils that will only continue destroying the human rights of the ‘black’ workers and eventually drive the country into abject poverty.
Conclusion
With the help of the critical race theory, the disadvantaged ‘Negro’ man or woman will continue to suffer through the discriminations of law and power in society. The only way such an individual can enjoy the ‘American Dream’ is through the struggle that one’s abolished slavery. They need to take back the country, promised to them by their forefathers, from the greedy and corrupt with utmost determination.