https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74 Jean Toomer en-us 2022-02-28 14:21:26 UTC 2024-03-31 21:29:04 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f1fa-1f1f8.png ekwon6948 https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069579868 As a deeply philosophical author who rejected social boundaries, Jean Toomer effectively supports the American Dream by agreeing with its core principles, creating his own identity, and participating in activism for a better country.

]]> 2022-02-28 14:31:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069579868 ekwon6948 https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069595329 While critics may claim that Toomer was disillusioned with activism, analyzing his political personality (around the time he was writing his famous book Cane) reveals his radical nature as an advocate for American change. In the Land of Cotton, a critical essay about Cane’s relevance to art and politics, introduces several opinions of past critics. One such critic, Edward Margolies, asks, “Is Toomer unconsciously saying that … passivity and withdrawal from life [is] ultimate fulfillment?” (Foley). Later on, the essay calls back to Toomer’s core views in order to answer questions like Margolies’: “he considered himself something of a leftist … noting in his journal that, ‘if the workers could bellow, 'We Want Power,' the walls of capitalism would collapse’” (Foley). Due to Toomer’s clear conviction in change through mass social protest, Margolies’ question receives a resounding “no”. Toomer’s philosophical nature may impel critics to believe that he is uninvolved in communal affairs, but his true perspectives, reflected in Cane, lie in an indubitable belief that America can and will shed its oppressive structures.

]]> 2022-02-28 14:38:43 UTC https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069595329 ekwon6948 https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069598909 With a bipolar upbringing between two identities, Jean Toomer sheds these restrictions, proving that the American individual is able to overcome their circumstances and determine their own personhood. Throughout his childhood, the man frequently switched between both black and white schools. He was labeled and outcast by his appearance and inability to fit either category perfectly. “As a result, Toomer, by 1914, began rejecting all attempts to be classified by anyone in any world as "black" or "white." Toomer became the only label he would never refuse, ‘American’” (“Jean Toomer”). Understandably, Toomer was compelled to cast aside the black and white construct that plagued his youth, instead presenting himself as a proud American. He serves as a true example of individuality, and that how one is raised does not dictate their success.

]]> 2022-02-28 14:40:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069598909 ekwon6948 https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069601586 Especially as a young journalist, Jean Toomer focuses on a core concept: In the U.S., there will be no gain if one does not take initiative. Progress will only show if people actively work to claim it. In his 20’s Toomer lives a life amid growing racial tensions and unrest. When asked to write an article addressing the recent race “riots”, Toomer condemns those who advocate only for additions to the constitution. He claims that it will not bring about a substantial change. In disagreement, he states,  “If a man would shoot you, and there be no one to prevent him, you must shoot first. Life permits of nothing less” (Toomer). He is advocating for action on the part of the oppressed, for them to “shoot first” instead of putting their hopes into useless, inert legislation. While he believes change is possible, he knows that it will not be handed to him. Such a mindset, stated clearly by Toomer in his journalistic time, is integral to the principles of the American Dream, where one has the freedom to “reap what they sow”.

]]> 2022-02-28 14:41:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069601586 ekwon6948 https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069619966 2022-02-28 14:49:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069619966 ekwon6948 https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069622973 2022-02-28 14:51:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ekwon6948/6p44i6chcjorpp74/wish/2069622973