Final answer:
African American writers use literary forms to critique society and celebrate heritage during Black History Month, which symbolizes the struggle for recognition and equality. Literary works serve as cultural criticism and means of social change despite historical challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symbolism and cynicism of being a writer during Black History Month reflect the complex history and current societal challenges faced by African American writers. The use of traditional literary forms by poets like Countee Cullen as a means to critique the position of African-American poets speaks to the broader struggle for recognition and equality in the literary canon.
Writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay have made significant contributions to literature by focusing on African-American themes and addressing the struggles of black Americans. Through their literary works, they have highlighted the importance of African-American heritage and the triumph of the African-American spirit. Literary forms have been used not only for artistic expression but also as a form of cultural criticism and a platform for social change.
The challenges faced by black writers historically, such as restrictions on literacy and barriers in publishing, have led to a sense of cynicism regarding the literary establishment. Nonetheless, African American writers have persisted, using their talents to subtly undermine oppressive systems and to share their experiences and critiques, contributing significantly to the shaping of both black identity and American literature as a whole.
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