Final answer:
Langston Hughes defined African American culture as an independent identity that embraces individuality and self-expression without fear, and is rooted in the lived black American experience. He believed in celebrating this culture and honestly representing all aspects of life, from adversity to resilience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics Defined by Langston Hughes
In Langston Hughes's view, the characteristics that define African American culture include an embrace of individuality and self-expression without fear or shame. Hughes stressed the importance of creating art rooted in the black American experience, which included both celebration of culture and honest representation of the working-class life. He believed that African American culture had a unique voice that should not emulate white culture but stand independently, acknowledging the beauty in the black identity. Hughes and his contemporaries in the Harlem Renaissance rejected the notion of assimilating into white mainstream culture and instead focused on building a body of work that would foster racial pride and reveal the lived experiences of African Americans, ranging from systemic oppression and segregation to the vibrancy of African American language, spirituality, music, and community bonds.
Furthermore, Hughes's poetry, such as 'I Too Sing America,' reflected this cultural identity by showcasing resilience against racism and the drive to grow strong even under societal pressures. He and other writers like Zora Neale Hurston and Claude McKay crafted works that celebrated African American dialects, rural life, and the spirit of resistance against racial injustices. Their work was a direct response to the complexities of African American experiences and the need for a renewed sense of worth within the black community.
The strong cultural expression that emerged during this era was shaped by a legacy of struggle and triumphs, deeply ingrained in the fabric of African American history and immortalized through the arts. This period, known as the Harlem Renaissance, was crucial in defining what African American culture meant to Hughes and his peers, using their creative talents to document, resist, and pave a path for future generations.