Interpreting the Message of Hughes's "Democracy"

In his profound poem "Democracy," Langston Hughes, a notable figure of the Harlem Renaissance, encourages people to take an active role in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. The speaker in Hughes's poem propounds that change isn't handed to individuals on a silver platter; it's earned through a proactive stance and an unyielding spirit.

In "Democracy," the speaker underscores the idea that democracy won't come by waiting for it or remaining idle. The essence of the poem can be encapsulated in the verse "I have as much right as the other fellow has to stand on my two feet and own the land.

" It encourages individuals to recognize their rights and equality in the society where democracy is promised but not fully realized.

Moreover, Hughes, through the speaker, presents a potent call to action. The speaker iterates that he does not want to wait for change to happen through a natural process, or the passage of time, or for it to be given to him by those in power.

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Instead, he wants to take ownership of his rights in the present, without waiting for others' approval or permission. The speaker asserts, "I do not need my freedom when I'm dead," driving home the point that the time for action and change is now, not in some distant future.

The poem also addresses the struggles of marginalized communities who are often told to wait for their rights and freedom. Hughes's speaker rejects this notion, refusing to accept any terms that prolong inequality and injustice.

The underlying message is clear: If change is to occur, it must be initiated by the individuals who yearn for it.

Ultimately, in "Democracy," Hughes encourages people to seize their agency, confront societal inequalities, and actively pursue their democratic rights. He rallies for a collective stand against injustice, implying that true democracy is born from the active participation of its people. Hughes's poem is a powerful testament to the power of individual action and unity in the pursuit of democratic ideals.