Challenges of Minorities in America: Navigating Identity and History

History tends to repeat itself, especially in the context of war. Both Napoleon and Hitler invaded Russia with similar outcomes for their armies. However, one area where repetition is often overlooked is in the treatment of minorities, particularly those with darker skin. Across the world, countries like Africa have a history of brutal imperialism and slavery targeting people of darker color. André 3000's quote on a shirt emphasizes this mistreatment: "Across cultures darker people suffer most. Why?" In America, immigrants and minorities struggle to find their identity while embracing their American nationality.

Works such as “House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes vividly depict the challenges faced by African Americans and young Latina women in the United States as they navigate self-discovery, understanding their roots, and moving forward despite hardships.The articles "Straddling Boundaries: identity, culture, and school" and "In search of identity in Cisneros's The House on Mango Street" both delve into the theme of finding one's self through education and navigating societal barriers.

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Both "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes and "House on Mango Street" explore themes of identity, albeit in different time periods. The former delves into the struggles of African Americans who have been uprooted from their homeland and forced to adopt new identities, emphasizing their humanity beyond being seen as just slaves. On the other hand, "House on Mango Street" follows Esperanza as she navigates societal expectations as a Hispanic woman residing in a disadvantaged neighborhood, lacking the same opportunities and freedoms as others.

Both works shed light on the difficulties faced by minorities in establishing their sense of belonging and self in a nation celebrated for its diverse cultural landscape.

Langston Hughes, the author, aims to compare African Americans in the 1920s with their ancestors who were pioneers of civilization in Africa through his poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." He encourages African Americans to reconnect with their roots and highlights the remarkable achievements of their ancestors, such as building pyramids and monuments that earned admiration. The dismissal of these accomplishments and prejudice against African Americans are seen as forms of racism, often referred to as America's original sin. Hughes seeks to empower African Americans by emphasizing their value beyond societal constraints, asserting that despite facing challenges like segregation and Jim Crow laws, they have a rich history and a significant voice.

Langston speaks in the poem from the perspective of an ancestor, claiming to know despite never having been to Africa. This new way of writing allows Hughes, as a black man, to have a voice and express himself freely in a simpler form that still resonates with people, not just the wealthy and educated. The first three lines of the poem emphasize the connection to Africa.

I have been acquainted with rivers:

I have knowledge of rivers that are as old as the world itself and even older than the act of flowing.

Of the blood and veins of humans.

My soul has become as profound as rivers.

I immersed myself in the waters of the Euphrates when mornings were new.

I established my hut close to the Congo River, where its soothing sounds lulled me into a peaceful slumber.

Hughes discusses the ancient Nile River, highlighting its age and connection to the earth and our own bodies. He reflects on his deep spiritual connection to the earth through his soul. Similarly, the Euphrates River provided sustenance and activities for many generations, symbolizing the long history of humanity on earth. Lastly, Hughes touches on finding solace and a sense of home in the Congo, falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the river.

I gazed at the Nile and passed the pyramids to its summit.

When Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, I heard the singing of the Mississippi River and witnessed its muddy waters transform into a golden hue during the sunset.

Throughout my life, I have been acquainted with many different rivers.

Ancient rivers, darkened by time;

My soul has expanded and matured, much like the rivers flowing steadily and endlessly.

Hughes discusses the Nile as a significant influence on Egyptian life, emphasizing its role in their flourishing, including the construction of the pyramids. He then draws a parallel to traveling down the Mississippi with Abraham Lincoln, symbolizing the transition from slavery to emancipation. Hughes concludes by reflecting on his own identity as an African American man, drawing a parallel between his soul and the old, shadowy rivers.

In her work "The House on Mango Street," Sandra Cisneros delves into the difficulties encountered by a young girl aiming for success in America. This contrasts with Langston Hughes' "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," where Hughes portrays the struggles of a whole community whose identities have been suppressed, seeking to draw connections between present-day African Americans and ancient Africans. While "The House on Mango Street" focuses on an individual character, it speaks to generations of Hispanic women navigating life in America, mirroring the enduring challenges faced by millions today.

Esperanza shares her background, detailing her living situation and how she ended up on Mango Street. Her father works constantly, while her mother stays home caring for her siblings - two younger brothers and a younger sister. She struggles to make friends and confide in someone, often feeling isolated. Although she has her sister, their age difference limits their interactions. Esperanza is constantly taking care of her sister, making it difficult for her to enjoy the same activities as her brothers. Additionally, Esperanza faces challenges due to her ethnicity, as she describes how others view and criticize her community without understanding their way of life. Despite their efforts and limitations, Esperanza and her people are judged harshly by outsiders.

In both "The House on Mango Street" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" minorities struggle to define themselves and often compensate for their circumstances in order to boost their self-esteem. This comparison is significant because individuals of different races share similar fears, and authors from different time periods can still share a common perspective on their people and America as a whole. Dealing with the challenge of being misunderstood by others and even by themselves, they strive to establish their identity while facing pressures from various sources. Despite the authors of these texts being of different genders, races, and eras, the underlying issue remains consistent.

Despite the persistent truth of the earlier quote, the suffering of darker-skinned individuals across the world remains a puzzling phenomenon. History seems to be repeating itself in various ways, suggesting that little progress has been made despite decades of minorities residing in America. This issue is deeply rooted in American society, where racism has been ingrained in the minds of its citizens, often overlooked or dismissed as nonexistent. These texts subtly highlight the struggles of minorities past and present, challenging the perception of America as a flawless nation. The imperfections of both country and its people underscore the need for continuous efforts towards creating a more equitable society for all.