A Critique of Assimilation

 A Critique of Assimilation

Imagine several theater masks. Each one pale white, same expression... Now imagine those same masks with various shades and differing expressions. Which set of masks belong on stage, which do you believe would make a better play? These sets of imaginary masks represent the views of Hughes and Wright.

Wright believed that there is no significant difference in the art of various groups within America, he believed that they all were inspired by and encompassed the same culture; thus, putting them under the same umbrella. Huges believed the opposite that different groups needed to put emphasis on their background, that their culture is important to their person and purpose as an artist. But whose view is more beneficial to artists, to art as a whole? Well let’s shed some light on the positives/negative of these approaches…

 

Conformity:

If all art from American artists held similar themes/styles everyone could relate too: there would be more unity, creating a sense of belonging to all Americans who consume such art. Communication of the media’s meanings would be more apparent. Mediums would be easier to assess and rank in skill… However, what theme will climb the highest, represent the nation, reach the furthest? Those experienced by the most people, the majority… The artist most connected to these zeitgeist themes, cultures, or experiences will be regarded as the best, becoming the most rewarded… But the artists who aren’t? The ones who have experienced a different path- well, creating their experiences, using different themes, and symbolisms will not be as well received, rewarded, and/or viewed; instead, their art will be discounted, excluded, and inevitably deemed as less skilled.

 

Divergence:

Now, what if all American art displayed different themes…? Where some group can relate strongly with certain pieces of art and others cannot, would that be better? The best artist would be those who can express their emotions, meaning, and story to those who may not have experienced the same thing as the artist. Nevertheless, no art would be able to represent the nation, categorizing art will be nearly impossible, as styles will infinitely overlap as they evolve…

 

So, which view is more beneficial? In the case of African Americans, it should be the latter… Being a near seventh of the American population, how could our themes, styles, cultures, or experiences be the norm? Art expressing things predominantly experienced amongst our race and through our culture will be overlooked -if all American art is expected to wear the same mask.