The Power of Identity in Langston Hughes' Poem "I, Too, Sing America"

What does the speaker accomplish by not defining who "they" are?

In Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too, Sing America," the speaker chooses not to explicitly define who "they" are. What is achieved by this decision?

Answer:

By not defining who "they" are, the speaker in Langston Hughes' poem "I, Too, Sing America" accomplishes several powerful things:

The speaker expresses pride in being an American despite facing racism and discrimination. The use of the pronoun "they" allows the poem to convey the universal experience of African Americans who have been treated as second-class citizens. This decision makes the poem relatable to a broader audience and emphasizes the resilience and dignity of African American identity.

Not specifying the oppressors as white individuals reinforces the idea that the struggle for equality is shared by all African Americans, regardless of specific identifiers. It empowers the African American community by asserting their rightful place in American society and highlighting their role in shaping the American narrative.

In essence, by leaving "they" undefined, the speaker underscores the universal nature of the African American experience, asserting their presence, voice, and significance in the ongoing pursuit of equality and recognition. Through this ambiguity, the speaker declares that they too sing America, claiming their place in the American story.