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Which viewpoint about the Harlem Renaissance do you support: the viewpoint of people like Du Bois and Fauset, or the viewpoint of people like Hurston and Hughes?

User Riebel
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I can provide an overview of the differing viewpoints about the Harlem Renaissance.

Du Bois and Fauset were intellectuals and believed that the Harlem Renaissance should focus on presenting the best of African American culture to the mainstream American audience. They believed that African Americans needed to prove their worth to the broader society through high art and literature. They saw the Harlem Renaissance as an opportunity for African Americans to challenge white supremacy and racism.

On the other hand, Hurston and Hughes had a different viewpoint. They believed that African Americans should create art that was true to their culture and experiences, rather than trying to conform to the expectations of the mainstream white audience. They emphasized the importance of folk culture, music, and oral traditions, and saw the Harlem Renaissance as an opportunity to celebrate and reclaim their cultural heritage.

Both viewpoints were important in shaping the Harlem Renaissance and the African American cultural identity. However, the debate between the two viewpoints is ongoing and reflects a tension between assimilation and cultural authenticity.

User Jeremi
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