Black feeling, black talk

Definition

Black feeling and black talk refer to the emotional and expressive dimensions of African American culture that emerged prominently during the Black Arts Movement. These concepts emphasize the significance of authentic Black experiences and voices, particularly in art and literature, as a response to systemic racism and cultural alienation. They underscore a collective consciousness that seeks to redefine identity, pride, and social justice through creative expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Black feeling reflects a deep emotional response to the experiences of oppression, joy, struggle, and resilience within African American communities.
2. Black talk embodies the unique linguistic styles and vernaculars used by African Americans, serving both as a means of communication and a cultural identifier.
3. The Black Arts Movement sought to harness black feeling and black talk to create an artistic revolution that empowered African Americans by affirming their identities.
4. Key figures in the Black Arts Movement, like Amiri Baraka and Nikki Giovanni, used black feeling and black talk in their works to articulate the Black experience authentically.
5. The interplay between black feeling and black talk highlights the importance of storytelling in preserving history, culture, and community ties within African American life.

Review Questions

• How do black feeling and black talk contribute to the overall goals of the Black Arts Movement?
  • Black feeling and black talk are central to the Black Arts Movement as they provide a platform for expressing the authentic experiences of African Americans. By prioritizing these emotional and linguistic dimensions, artists sought to challenge prevailing stereotypes and portrayals of Black life. This connection allowed for a rich exploration of identity and culture, aiming to inspire pride and collective action among African Americans.
• In what ways did key figures within the Black Arts Movement utilize black feeling and black talk in their works to address social issues?
  • Key figures such as Amiri Baraka and Nikki Giovanni employed black feeling and black talk to tackle social issues like racism, economic disparity, and civil rights struggles. Their works often reflected personal narratives infused with emotional depth, using vernacular language that resonated with Black audiences. This approach not only elevated their messages but also created a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community.
• Evaluate the impact of black feeling and black talk on contemporary African American literature and arts.
  • The influence of black feeling and black talk continues to resonate in contemporary African American literature and arts by shaping narratives that prioritize emotional authenticity and cultural identity. Writers like Claudia Rankine and poets in the slam scene build upon these concepts by exploring complex themes surrounding race, identity, and social justice. This evolution demonstrates how foundational elements from the Black Arts Movement remain vital for articulating current struggles while fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the African American community.

Related terms

Black Arts Movement: A cultural movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on creating art that reflected the realities of Black life and sought to inspire social change.

Cultural Nationalism: A political and social ideology advocating for the recognition and promotion of the unique cultural identity of a nation or ethnic group, emphasizing pride in one's heritage.

Spoken Word Poetry: A performance art that emphasizes the spoken word as a means of artistic expression, often addressing themes of race, identity, and social justice.