Theme for English B
Hughes talks about the African American struggle for equality. Hughes wonders if his paper will be graded differently because he is black. He says, "I guess being colored doesn't make me not like the same things other folks like who are other races So will my page be colored that I write?"Hughes was not asking for sympathy, or for an apology, just understanding. He knows that even that will be hard, considering that he and his professor come from two completely different worlds. He explains that a black man will always have an impact on a white man's life, and vice versa; but Hughes knows that the white man wants no part of the black man's life. Hughes' only meager wish is to be accepted-not as a black man, but as an American.
The point that Hughes tries to get across to his teacher is clear, that he, the black man, likes and does the same things as the white man. The difference being how the world views the two races. Someone can feel different because if their race, color, ethnicity, and gender. One can even feel different because of a physical handicap. All of these reasons that make one feel different make up one’s identity. Someone who is “different” may feel like they want to be a part of someone or something yet at the same time, because of what makes them so different, they may not want to be a part of someone or something else. It is a sense of fear and rejection. They may feel isolated and alone. It is true when Langston Hughes writes, “I like to eat, sleep, drink and be in love. I like to work, read, learn and understand life.” We may be different, but we all want that acceptance and love. One can even be of the same race, ethnicity, etc., yet be different. We are each our own individual and unique person. Being the only colored person in a class may seem uncomfortable for someone who might not be comfortable with