Date of Award
Spring 5-4-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Flaherty
Second Advisor
Dr. Stefanie Sevcik
Third Advisor
Dr. Lauren Pilcher
Abstract
African American voices have been the main sources of influence on society and culture. For this reason, it is important that African Americans speak up and reclaim their voices. Not only are their voices important, but the stories that lie behind the voices are what need to be amplified. With the application of postcolonial theory, this thesis takes modern stories located in North America depicting racist behavior towards African Americans from the year 1970 to present-day New York City in order to fully amplify the process of social struggle. As these narratives are passed down through generations serving as a platform for understanding their identity, the realization of reclamation is present within the African American community. Reclamation is the reclaiming of one’s identity and true state of being. This thesis argues that African Americans reject the colonization mindset and reclaim their identity of voice and culture through verbal and nonverbal communication. With the assistance of James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk and Regina Taylor’s Crowns, we are given permission to view through the lens of reclamation and identity in order to fully understand what it means for African Americans to reclaim identity and culture.
Recommended Citation
Kellogg, Lindsey, "Reclamation: The Crown of African American Identity" (2022). English MA Theses. 13.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/english/13
Included in
Acting Commons, African History Commons, Christianity Commons, Cultural History Commons, Film Production Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Literature in English, North America, Ethnic and Cultural Minority Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Other Music Commons, Other Theatre and Performance Studies Commons, Performance Studies Commons, Playwriting Commons