PBS.org/Many Rivers

The quote to the left is from Zora Neale Hurston’s essay entitled “How It Feels to Be Colored Me”.

 

She begins by stating: I am colored but I offer nothing in the way of extenuating circumstances except the fact that I am the only Negro in the United States whose grandfather on the mother’s side was not an Indian chief.

 

I think the piece really embodies my take on the idea we can only be who we think we are. But I wonder what it means to you?

 

Let me know what you think of any part of Ms. Hurston’s essay?

Dr. Harriette

One Reply to “What does Zora Neale Hurston’s last line mean?”

  1. After reading the quote, I think she is saying as people of color, we have to stop being the victim. Time to stop saying, thinking that we are, collectively and individually, blaming the majority for where we are. She says the world is tough. And to get what want, you have to be tough and go get it. Anyone who has shelled oysters knows that the knife is sharp and that it requires a particular skill to do it. Learn the lessons necessary to get you where you want to go.

Let me know what you think.