In this poem, Arna Bontemps talks about the differences men
of different ethnicities experience, comparing Asian, white, and black men and
his wishes for each of them. The context behind this poem is the different
privileges men have depending on their ethnicity – great harvest season for the
Asians; jobs, authority, and objects of value to the White; and to allow Blacks
to show emotion. Blacks are seen to have the least but be the least greedy.
This is a confessional, sharing his wishes for others and himself. This poem does not have a rhyme scheme. Arna
Bontemps uses a metaphor when mentioning the “blue-eyed men.” A man of any
ethnicity can have blue eyes but this clearly means white men because of the
stereotype of blonde hair and blue eyes and the perfect man is Aryan. Bontempt
used lyrical poetry to compose this piece, sharing his emotion and thoughts on
how each race is perceived and his wishes for all men. He also uses figurative
meaning to express his belief that blacks are humble and doesn’t ask for much.
He mentions this through his list of wishes to God, also ending the poem with a
wish that all ethnicities receive what they want.
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