Let America Be America Again: Poem Analysis

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Pages: 3

Will America ever be America again? In the poem, “Let America Be America Again,” the poet, Langston Hughes explains his struggle as an African American in a white man's country. “Let America Be America Again” was written in 1935, during the time of segregation in the United States. African Americans during this time had many struggles living their day to day lives. The poem shows the many different perspectives of the people during segregation. There are many points of view and they all have something different to say.
African Americans had many struggles during the 1930’s because of segregation. Segregation is the institutional separation of an ethnic, racial, religious, or other minority groups from the dominant majority, according to (dictionary.com). African Americans were forced to live uncomfortable lives because of their race. Many African Americans had either
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“I am the young man, full of strength and hope” (25) The people in America that face more daily challenges than others, because of their skin color, are beginning to feel like America's ways of racism are outdated. “Tangled in that ancient endless chain and only finding the same old stupid plan.” (26-27) The speakers in the poem feel that if America was built upon freedom and liberty, everyone should be able to experience just that. Various powerful statements are made throughout the poem and have very powerful messages. “We the people, must redeem.” (86) This quote sends readers a strong message that America must be more than what it is already, and it can be. The people during this time period did not know that in about 30 years, segregation would be ended and they would be able to live the lives they had always dreamed