Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyThe New Negro Movement and Cultural Debates

Read the following excerpt from Alain Locke’s essay "The New Negro" (1925):

"Up to the present, American Negroes have been a race more in name than in fact, or to be exact, more in collective destiny than in collective consciousness. The pressure of the common trial rather than the cohesion of the common forward impulse has made and kept them together. But the thinking Negro has slipped from under the tyranny of social status and our leaders are today launching a new movement of self-determination."

According to Locke, which of the following best describes the transition in identity represented by the "New Negro"?

  1. A shift from an identity defined by external oppression and social status to one rooted in self-determination and collective consciousnessAnswer
  2. B
    A total rejection of American citizenship in favor of immediate emigration to West Africa
  3. C
    The establishment of a populist political party to build an independent Black nation within the United States
  4. D
    A return to industrial education as the sole pathway to achieving social equality

Answer

A shift from an identity defined by external oppression and social status to one rooted in self-determination and collective consciousness
The correct answer accurately interprets Locke's distinction between a passive group identity formed by external trials and a proactive group consciousness driven by internal cohesion and cultural self-determination.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the provided excerpt from Alain Locke's 'The New Negro'.
Identify that Locke distinguishes between being kept together by 'the pressure of the common trial' (shared oppression) versus the 'cohesion of the common forward impulse' (self-determination).
This establishes the core transition Locke is describing.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the one that accurately summarizes this transition.
The option stating that identity shifts from external oppression to self-determination and collective consciousness matches Locke's emphasis on slipping 'from under the tyranny of social status' and launching a 'new movement of self-determination.'
This confirms the correct option based on the text.

Key Concept

The New Negro Movement and Cultural Debates
Rate this question

Topics

The New Negro Movement and Cultural Debates

More questions from this topic