“How it Feels To Be Colored Me” by Zora Hurston. Literature Essay

Name
Course
Institution
Date
Race
Blacks face systematic racism through deprivation from some rights and responsibilities. Racism is discrimination towards someone of a different race on the custom that one's race is superior. The victims suffering from racism react to the issue in different ways, like portraying anger or staying calm due to the posed intimidation. Racism has spread to the present days, with continuous undervaluing of the black community’s lives.
Hurston lived peacefully in Eatonville, Florida, until she had to move to Jacksonville for studies. The Eatonville city hosted blacks only, and the only whites appearing didn't stay long, as they were on journeys to other places. The young girl expresses her comfortability in the equality practiced community. Hurston loved waiting at the gateposts to greet the white travelers as they went through the city (Hurston, 1). The young would always enjoy it when the riders responded to her greetings, and the action grew into a habit. However, Hurston realizes that there is a big gap between whites and blacks after when she moved to Jacksonville. The white community thinks that they have superiority over blacks to the mere difference between skin color. The difference perceived by the white Americans is hard to combat since the group has a mentality of being better than the black Americans, and convincing them otherwise can only take willing spirits and minds for the achievement of ultimate changes.
When Hurston experienced the color change for the first time after alighting from the boat heading Jacksonville, she knew that she had an excellent task of fighting for equality. Hurston knew she acknowledged the difficulty in the battle and prepared for all the challenges bound to happen during the journey of fighting for freedom. The black woman ascertains that dealing with what’s already achieved is not as hard as going to look more in the same context (Hurston, 2). Hurston accepted the fact that she originated from a different race, and she had an excellent task of fighting for the establishment of the black community. Regardless of all the difficulties posed in her life by the whites, Hurston stands up with escalated stability.
Fortunately, Hurston makes a beneficial discovery during her various interactions with the whites. For example, one or a few whites will also get insecure and uncomfortable if they get into the midst of a significant group of blacks (Hurston, 3). The mutual feeling between the races proves that humans reason and react in almost similar ways regardless of the difference in skin color. Although human beings have different origins and appearance in skin color, they prove equality in moral reasoning and reactions in various aspects of life. Hurston declares how much she valued Americans without bias, despite the hate and discrimination she faces when interacting with the race. The lady does not bargain on the equality imposed by the whites on blacks, and she keeps hoping for changes. Zora states that she will not change her good character when fighting against racism. '"Besides the waters of the Hudson," I feel my race. Among the thousand white persons, I am a dark rock surged upon and over swept, but through it all, I remain myself’ (Hurston, 9). The lady proves humility by portraying maximum patience when dealing with the different race as she neither gets upset nor angry about their actions against the black community.
Although the individuals around Zora Hurston don’t value blacks, the young woman has high respect for her culture and race. Her current situation does not sway the determination of the lady towards achieving her goals, and she remains focused on standing for her origin. The African Heritage determines the cultural identity, and Hurston values the attribute in all aspects (Hurston, 4). Hurston reveals that she likes all people regardless of their race, and she will always accommodate all cultures. According to Zora, the distinct character between all races is humanity, and since all people have the characteristic, they are equal. Although people should have pride in their color and origins, they should also respect and treat other races equally with a similar perspective in mind.
Hurston didn't expect the treatment she got at Jacksonville while James Baldwin in Stranger in the Village states that the man visiting Switzerland will be the first Negro in the land, and such reactions are expected. The inhabitants reacted towards the Stranger due to the difference from their white complexion. The man reveals that the natives in Swiss never believed that he came from America. ….. 'Knows that I come from America though, this, apparently, they will never really believe: black men come from Africa’ (Bald...