The Harlem Renaissance

I think this question is a valid one, especially because of the cultural conflictions that were occurring in the Harlem Renaissance era. My opinions on this are not very concrete because I believe that both Hughes as well as Keats and Cullen are all correct. I think that focusing on one’s personal culture and community specifically and representing it strongly is important. I think writers should go into depth about their communities so that readers have more of an in-depth knowledge and understanding about the cultures that they may not be able to witness or be a part of. Having writers that hone-in on what makes their culture and community special is how those who read can get cultured from their very own home. Someone who lives far away in the mountains may never understand exactly what Hughes was talking about when he described what it felt and sounded like to hear a piano player simply play blues. But this writing and in-depth knowledge can allow someone like that to have more of an idea as to what the culture of that area and time felt like. But, like I said, I also believe the other argument is valid as well. Culture is its own culture because it is different when compared to others. And that culture is important because of how it effects and relates to other things of relevance at the time or in the future. If we never take the time to look into what that culture inspired or actually did in a community and its surrounding communities, it is like it was not there in relevance to the world.