African American Stereotypes In Literature

9 Pages 2285 Words

ack in her story entitled “story in Harlem Slang”. In this particular story, Hurston writes about these two characters who are hustlers and do not work. Although it may not have been Hurston’s intention, she does in fact appear to endorse the myth of black men being lazy and black ignorance. This can be seen in reading the following passage:
`Lay de skin on me, pal!’ Sweet Back grabbed Jelly’s outstretched
Hand and shook hard. `Ain’t seen you since the last time, Jelly.
What’s cookin’?’ `Oh just like de bear – I ain’t nowhere. Like de bear’s
Brother, I ain’t no further. Like de bear’s daughter – I ain’t got a quarter.’
(Hurston 128).
In the previous passage it is assumed that the two men know each other and seem to make it a habit of hanging out on the street. Furthermore, Jelly’s mention of not having been anywhere and not having money implies that he does not work and has not intention to work. His whole attitude does not seem to be one which would imply that he has been out looking for work. That in it self endorses the myth of black men being lazy.
Zora Hurston continues her negative endorsement with the language used. The inability of the characters in both “Story in Harlem Slang” and “Sweat” to speak without using so many slang variations which are familiar in the Black English Vernacular, appears to be an endorsement for the myth of blacks being ignorant. “In “Story in Harlem Slang”, Hurston is acutely aware of the language variations so much so that she provides the reader with a list of terminology used in the story and their meanings. In her story “Sweat”, the use of language is quite noticeable. The slang depicts regionalism which may be equated with the south, but is still a part of the Black English Vernacular. The use of language in this story implies further ignorance on the proper use of language. In the following lines the language usage is evident as ...