On Being Negro in America

"On Being Negro in America" by J. Saunders Redding is a deeply personal essay that explores what it meant to be Black in America during the mid-20th century. It recounts the author's journey through the confusing realities of race, identity, and societal expectations. Redding expresses the psychological stress of belonging to a group that is often pushed to the side, highlighting the need for understanding and personal independence. The essay begins by setting the scene for Redding's story, explaining the double awareness he feels as a Black man in America—always seeing himself as an individual while also being constantly reminded of his racial identity. He shares a shocking story witnessed from his classroom, where he felt conflicting emotions sparked by the race of the victim. Redding struggles with how his identity as a Black man affects how he sees and interacts with the world, mixing his own experiences with larger criticisms of society. In the end, he pushes for an urgent need to face these tough issues in hopes of finding a more profound understanding of himself as a human being.