Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"High to Low" by Langston Hughes addresses the tensions within the African American community, particularly the class and cultural differences that arise as some members strive to assimilate into more socially acceptable norms while others remain closer to their roots. The poem is a pointed critique of the internalized pressures to "uphold the race" by conforming to certain standards of respectability, often at the expense of authenticity and solidarity.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of shared struggles: "God knows / We have our troubles, too." This line sets the stage for a discussion of the internal conflicts within the community, where those who have achieved a certain level of success or social standing view others with a mix of frustration and disappointment. The speaker quickly identifies "one trouble" as being the behavior of those who are perceived as not meeting the standards of respectability expected by the more upwardly mobile members of the community: "you talk too loud cuss too loud, / look too black, / don't get anywhere, / and sometimes it seems / you don't even care."

These lines reveal the speaker's critique of behaviors and appearances that are deemed too "black" or too conspicuous, suggesting that they hinder progress and reinforce negative stereotypes. The mention of "look too black" points to the painful reality of colorism and the internalization of racist attitudes that equate lighter skin with social acceptability. The frustration with not "getting anywhere" reflects the pressure to achieve upward mobility and the disappointment when those who don't conform to these expectations are seen as holding back the progress of the entire race.

The poem continues by highlighting specific behaviors that the speaker finds problematic: "The way you send your kids to school / stockings down, / (not Ethical Culture)." Here, the reference to "stockings down" indicates a lack of attention to social norms of appearance, while "Ethical Culture" refers to a prestigious, predominantly white private school in New York City, symbolizing the ideal of proper education and upbringing. The contrast between the speaker's expectations and the reality of how others live their lives creates a sense of division within the community.

Further, the speaker criticizes the way "you shout out loud in church, / (not St. Phillip's)" and "the way you lounge on doorsteps / just as if you were down South, / (not at 409)." These lines juxtapose the behaviors of the less refined with the standards of more socially accepted institutions and spaces, such as St. Phillip's, a prestigious African American Episcopal church, and 409, a reference to 409 Edgecombe Avenue, a well-known address in Harlem where many prominent African Americans lived. The speaker's disdain for what they see as backward or uncouth behavior reflects a deep concern with respectability politics and the desire to distance oneself from stereotypes associated with Southern or working-class black life.

The poem reaches its climax with the speaker's admission that these behaviors are a source of personal disappointment: "the way you clown / the way, in other words, / you let me down— / me, trying to uphold the race." This sentiment encapsulates the internal conflict faced by those who have achieved a degree of social mobility: the pressure to represent the race in a positive light, often by conforming to mainstream, white-dominated standards, and the frustration when others do not follow suit. The speaker feels personally let down, as if the actions of others reflect poorly on their own efforts to "uphold the race."

The final lines, "well, / you can see, / we have our problems, / too, with you," bring the poem full circle. While the speaker acknowledges the broader struggles faced by the community, they ultimately place the blame on those who, in their view, are not living up to the standards necessary for collective progress. The use of "we" and "you" throughout the poem underscores the division between those who see themselves as responsible for the race's advancement and those who, in their eyes, are holding it back.

"High to Low" is a powerful exploration of the class and cultural tensions within the African American community. Hughes captures the complex dynamics of respectability politics and the internalized pressures to conform to societal standards that often come at the expense of unity and authenticity. The poem challenges readers to consider the ways in which these internal divisions can hinder true progress and perpetuate the very stereotypes they seek to overcome. Through his sharp critique, Hughes invites reflection on the broader implications of these tensions and the need for a more inclusive and understanding approach to community and identity.

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