Embracing Racial Identity: Zora Neale Hurston's Perspective

Racial identity is not an innate characteristic but rather a learned behavior. This sentiment is echoed by Beverly Daniel Tatum, a clinical psychologist and writer, who posits that race is not a salient factor in a child's early years. However, as one matures and becomes more aware of their identity, race often becomes a significant aspect of their self-perception. This concept resonates strongly with Zora Neale Hurston, a child raised with a strong sense of self-esteem in Eatonville, Florida. Hurston's understanding of race evolved significantly as she grew older, and she refused to let her racial identity define her.

In her essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," Hurston explores the idea that one's race is a state of mind that can be embraced while not overshadowing one's character.

The Disassociation from Racial Identity

Zora Neale Hurston firmly believed that she was not defined by the color of her skin. Throughout history, black people have often been associated with tragedy and adversity due to centuries of racism and discrimination.

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However, Hurston did not conform to this stereotype. She refused to identify with "the sobbing school of Negrohood" who constantly lamented their circumstances, refusing to blame the world for their shortcomings. She did not let her racial identity depress her, even though she was aware of her status as "the granddaughter of slaves" (Hurston 2).

Hurston did not harbor any ill feelings about the legacy of slavery, primarily because she was not a direct product of it. Recognizing that it was "sixty years in the past," she understood that while her ancestors had been affected by slavery, she personally had not (Hurston 2).

Instead of dwelling on past injustices, Hurston viewed her ancestors' struggles as paving the way for her own success. She acknowledged the price they paid, allowing her to rise above adversity. She considered herself fortunate to be born in a country where she had "a chance for glory" and the opportunity to accomplish whatever she set her mind to (Hurston 2). She embraced the past and the weight her skin color carried while refusing to let it define her future.

Racial Identity as a State of Mind

Hurston's perspective on race is rooted in the idea that it is nothing more than a state of mind. She did not consider herself "born colored." Growing up in Eatonville, a predominantly black town, race was not a central topic of discussion for her. Surrounded by people who looked and acted like her, she had little reason to dwell on racial identity. The few encounters she had with white individuals passing through her town did not make her feel "colored" (Hurston 1).

It wasn't until Hurston began attending school in Jacksonville, a more diverse city, that she began to grapple with the concept of race. As Beverly Tatum's theory suggests, she became aware of her racial identity at the age of thirteen when her race became more salient (Hurston 2). However, Hurston depicted being "colored" as a feeling she could control, much like a light switch. When she strolled "down Seventh Avenue, Harlem City," she considered herself "cosmic Zora," a being of the universe rather than just a colored woman in America (Hurston 3, 4). She viewed her racial identity as something she could choose to emphasize or downplay, a state of mind that did not have to hinder the essence of her character.

Embracing Cultural Differences

While Hurston preferred not to dwell on racial identity, she did acknowledge and embrace the differences in racial cultures. She recognized that while there might be common ground or subtle similarities between different races, there would always be factors setting them apart. For Hurston, one of those differentiating factors was music. At The New World Cabaret, she found herself captivated by jazz music, with its "tempo and narcotic harmonies" (Hurston 3). Her white companion, in contrast, remained motionless, calmly smoking. Jazz music has deep roots in black culture, dating back to the days of slavery when music was a way of life. For Hurston, the throb of her pulse "like a war drum" as she danced wildly represented a connection to her cultural roots. Music was an integral part of her identity, and she fully embraced it (Hurston 3).

Hurston understood that embracing one's culture was not about letting it define an individual but acknowledging its role in shaping one's identity. It was these cultural nuances that both differentiated races and made each unique in its own way.

Race as a Complex Issue

Race has been a complex issue in America for centuries, serving both to unite and divide the nation. Even in today's age, race remains a pressing issue in society and a frequent topic in the media. Hurston saw race as a factor that could limit individuals when they excessively identified with their racial groups to the detriment of their individual characters.

While she fully recognized herself as a black woman, Hurston refused to let her racial identity dictate her life or her perception of the world around her. She embraced her race but did not allow it to overshadow her character, believing that racial identity was ultimately a state of mind. In the grand tapestry of human experience, racial identity should be a thread rather than the entire fabric.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's perspective on racial identity is a testament to her unique and resilient character. She refused to let the color of her skin define her, instead viewing racial identity as a state of mind that could be embraced without compromising one's individuality. While she acknowledged the cultural differences that set races apart, she saw no need to let these differences overshadow the content of one's character. Hurston's stance on racial identity serves as a powerful reminder that while acknowledging one's heritage is important, it should not be the sole determinant of one's self-worth or potential.

As society continues to grapple with issues of race and identity, Hurston's perspective offers a valuable lesson in embracing one's heritage while striving to transcend the limitations that racial identity can impose. Ultimately, it is the content of one's character, the depth of one's spirit, and the strength of one's convictions that should define who they are in the world.