1) What are the main questions that the author asks in this text?
The main questions the author asks in the text are; “what, after all, am I? Am I an American or am I a Negro? Can I be both? Or is it my duty to cease to be a Negro as soon as possible and be an American?” (Smith, 58). These questions, seek important answers that give a basis of understanding of what really the author has in mind or what the subject matter is. The reason as to why the author asks the questions is because the question of identity arises and thus become the subject of discussion. It is, therefore, against this background that the author seeks to know whether it is his race that matters or just being an American. Through these questions, the author tries to make sense of the whole issue of racial discrimination.
2) Why are those questions important? What might have motivated the author to do this work?
These questions are important because they sought to give his identity through the questions that he asked. He tries to bring an understanding why it is not important to know the ethnic orientation that he subscribes to. His main concern is that the question of its identity arises, and he does not think that it is important for his race to be a matter of concern. Perhaps there were questions about his racial orientation that kept people asking where exactly he belonged, and this might have prompted him to ask the questions that he asked (Smith, 58). The author was motivated to do this work to show that it did not matter what racial background one came from, but the underlying factor was that of being an American. One had therefore under no obligation to change identity just to fit into the wider society. The era of racial tensions must have provoked him to document this text to show that it was not right for Negros to be treated with a lot of contempt.
3) What kinds of evidence does the author use in support of the argument?
4) Why do you think the author chose to do this research in this way? What seems to be the author’s methodology?
5) What does the text accomplish?
The text achieves a lot through the insights it gives. One of such is that it puts the Negros on a different statue as people who deserve a belonging and who should not be demonized for who they are. It also puts the Negros into the world map through the different participations in the events like the photographic exposure. The essence of this is to show that racism cannot be the reason why one changes his or her identity, but is important to be proud of whom one is. Moreover, the concept of citizenry is voiced as more important than one person’s racial background. It is therefore against this background that the author, in the questions, asks whether it is really important for his background to be known since he is an American and therefore it does not matter what racial background he belongs in.
6) What new insights does it offer?
The insights provided by this piece of work are many and diverse. One of such insights is that it is important that we appreciate every racial background no matter the case. It is also important that we see ourselves, as a unit that is to say the concept of nationality should ride above racial orientation. It is also important to appreciate every racial background and respect whatever thing the different groups stand for. Different forums should be of essence in trying to showcase whatever every group has for the sake of sharing in terms of culture and values. The participation of different groups raises the debate to a higher level. Reason being, when people meet, they are able to share different issues that could bring about an understanding. This is a very important insight that is being illuminated in this text. It brings about sensitization of different groups to begin appreciating other people’s racial backgrounds.
7) What does it illuminate about the relationships between citizenship and spectatorship in the American context?
There is certainly a huge gap between citizenship and spectatorship. While there is a need to have the concept of Americanization, many still believe that they do not belong and therefore, are not part of the American dream. Many feel left back because of the different issues that each group stands for (Robinson, 33). It is in this context that it portrays America to be a country of people who are more of spectators other than being citizens. Racism brings the all issues of citizenship and spectatorship because others feel they belong more than other people. In a real sense the issue has all to do with racism. Many individuals are more into their racial backgrounds than they are citizens. The main reason for this is that they feel as though the indigenous community do not recognize them as of America. This to some extent raises the level of spectatorship. The essence of citizenship is that it gives one a deeper sense of belonging other than being more of the ordinary.
8). Are there any important questions that it leaves unanswered? Several questions are left unanswered in this piece of work. One of such questions relates to how the race issue can be dealt with accordingly. America as a nation still deals with the issues of racism to the extent that there is no cut on whom a citizen really looks like (Robinson, 43). The author does not address the plight of other racial groups to show fairness to all groups. One would reason out that the author only interests himself with the issues of a particular ethnic background and leaves the rest out. So while one racial issue is being dealt with, the problem persists because then other racial entities seek the same platform of fair recognition. To this extent, the author of the text should have given solutions not only for the Negros, but also the diverse groups that face the same racial issues. Consequently, the author should have given what the concept of being citizen matters more than being in a particular racial outfit.
Works Cited:
Asante, Molefi K. Erasing Racism: The Survival of the American Nation. Amherst, NY:
Prometheus Books, 2003. Print.
Robinson, Dean E. Black Nationalism in American Politics and Thought. New York: Cambridge
Smith, Michelle S. Photographing the “America Negro”: Nation, Race, and photography at the
Paris exposition of 1900. Press.
