Zora Neale Hurston's Identity in How It Feels to Be Colored Me

On the tombstone of Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker aptly encapsulated her legacy: “A genius of the South, novelist, folklorist, anthropologist.” Hurston's profound self-exploration is evident in her essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," where she navigates the complex landscape of identity through vivid metaphors and a distinct lack of emphasis on racial inequalities. This essay will delve into Hurston's unique perspective on identity, her rejection of conformity to racial stereotypes, and the nuanced use of metaphors to convey her self-realization.

An Individual Beyond Color: Hurston's Identity Perspective

Zora Neale Hurston's approach to her own identity is marked by a refreshing individuality. Despite acknowledging her status as a person of color, she transcends the conventional emphasis on racial disparities. Hurston boldly declares, “At certain times I have no race, I am me.” This assertion lays the foundation for her refusal to be defined solely by her racial identity. In a society steeped in racial tension, Hurston seeks recognition not as a representative of a racial group but as a unique individual.

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Her unapologetic embrace of self is further emphasized when she declares, “But I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all.” Hurston's rejection of the notion of tragedy associated with her color challenges societal expectations. Instead of succumbing to the weight of historical sorrow, she asserts her resilience and personal contentment, fostering a narrative that transcends racial victimization.

The Art of Individuality: Language and Metaphors

Through strategic language choices and the use of metaphors, Hurston crafts a narrative that resonates with the desire for individual recognition.

The opening sentence, "I remember the day I became colored," serves as a poignant introduction, signifying a pivotal moment of self-realization. This realization, however, is not framed as a burden but as a catalyst for personal growth and awareness.

Hurston's departure from Eatonville, the "town of the oleanders," symbolizes her departure from the conventional expectations associated with her race. By choosing the oleander, a flower outwardly beautiful but internally poisonous, she conveys the dichotomy of societal perceptions. This metaphor encapsulates the external allure of racial stereotypes contrasted with their potentially harmful consequences.

Rejecting Conformity: A Message for Young African Americans

Hurston's audience is implicitly directed towards young African Americans who resonate with her perspective on identity. In asserting, ". . . except the fact that I am the only Negro in the United States," she communicates the rarity of her outlook. The deliberate choice of the word "Negro" accentuates the historical context while underlining her singular individuality in a society often obsessed with racial categorization.

Her metaphorical reference to a successful operation in paragraph 7, symbolizing slavery, underscores her resilience and detachment from historical burdens. This stance encourages young African Americans to redefine their identity beyond societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of personal agency and self-acceptance.

In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" stands as a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the rejection of societal conformity. Hurston's unique perspective challenges prevailing racial narratives, advocating for individual recognition and agency. Through meticulous language choices and metaphors, she crafts a narrative that transcends racial victimization, offering a message of empowerment to those who dare to embrace their individuality in a world often defined by racial boundaries.