Harlem Culture

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at whether the city of Harlem in New York should be viewed as a cancer in the heart of the city or a cultural emergence point for different minority groups is hard to give. Specifically, the paper looks at how, the African-American culture, which developed in the poor homes of Harlem, is essential for underlining the diversity of the US cultural environment and, at the same time, stands out as the fruit of the tormented existence of the Black people, in a way, similar to the actual struggling experience of the creation of the United States.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
An Economic View of Harlem
The Politics of Harlem
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Overall, it can be concluded that a proper answer to the issue of Harlem being either a cancer in the heart of the city or a cultural emergence point for different minority groups is hard to give. There are various factors that must be taken into consideration. On the one hand, indeed, there are economic problems the black community has struggled with throughout time which did not allow them to actually attain a higher life style. But at the same time, these economic distresses can also be seen as the result of the discriminatory attitudes of the white majority. Also, the cultural issue is important. The Harlem has been indeed the point of reference for the black community because it enabled artists to freely express themselves and explore their diverse beliefs. From this point of view, it would be fair to say that Harlem brought an important contribution to the cultural spectrum of the US. Finally, the political environment, not necessarily in terms of political leaders, but rather in terms of action leaders played a significant part in determining the place of Harlem on the New York map. Thus, the Jews proved to be great entrepreneurs, the Puerto Ricans worthy representatives of their nationality, and the blacks a vital part of the city. Nonetheless, according to certain theories, these groups will never enter in full assimilation and at the same time will always be the target of discriminatory behavior."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anderson, Karen Tucker. "Last Hired, First Fired: Black Women Workers during World War II" in The Journal of American History, Vol. 69, No. 1. (Jun., 1982), pp. 82-97.
• Barnes, Albert C. Negro Art and America. (accessed 2 December 2007) http://etext.virginia.edu/harlem/BarNegrF.html
• Brown, Claude. Manchild in the Promised Land. New York: Touchstone, 1999.
• Charles S. Johnson. Black Workers and the City. (accessed 2 December 2007) http://etext.virginia.edu/harlem/JohWorkF.html
• Corbould, Clare. "Streets, sounds and identity in interwar Harlem" in The Journal of Social History. Vol 40, 2007.

More papers on Harlem Culture:

• Research Paper # 103229 : "Changing Times and the Harlem Renaissance"
• Essay # 137779 : "The Culture of the Forced Other"
• Term Paper # 93095 : "The Harlem Renaissance"

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