The protest against racial and economic inequities in Claude McKay’s poetry Introduction

Through poignant imagery and powerful language, McKay captures the emotional toll of racism on individuals' self-esteem, sense of belonging, and overall well-being. Additionally, the subsection delves into McKay's exploration of the dehumanizing effects of racism. It analyzes poems such as "Mulatto" and "White Houses" where McKay exposes the ways in which racism strips individuals of their humanity, reducing them to mere objects or targets of discrimination. These poems highlight the psychological and emotional impact of racism, emphasizing the need for recognition and justice. Moreover, the section examines McKay's portrayal of systemic racism and the institutionalized nature of discrimination. It explores poems like "America" and "If We Must Die" where McKay critiques the structural inequalities embedded within society. Through powerful metaphors and social commentary, McKay exposes the systemic nature of racism and calls for collective resistance against oppressive systems.

• Through poignant imagery and powerful language, McKay captures the emotional toll of racism on individuals' self-esteem, sense of belonging, and overall well-being. Additionally, the subsection delves into McKay's exploration of the dehumanizing effects of racism. It analyzes poems such as "Mulatto" and "White Houses" where McKay exposes the ways in which racism strips individuals of their humanity, reducing them to mere objects or targets of discrimination. These poems highlight the psychological and emotional impact of racism, emphasizing the need for recognition and justice. Moreover, the section examines McKay's portrayal of systemic racism and the institutionalized nature of discrimination. It explores poems like "America" and "If We Must Die" where McKay critiques the structural inequalities embedded within society. Through powerful metaphors and social commentary, McKay exposes the systemic nature of racism and calls for collective resistance against oppressive systems.

Upon publication of “If We Must Die” McKay commenced two years of travel and work abroad. He spent part of 1919 in Holland and Belgium, then moved to London and worked on the periodical Workers’ Dreadnought. In 1920 he published his third verse collection, Spring in New Hampshire, which was notable for containing “Harlem Shadows,” a poem about the plight of Black sex workers in the degrading urban environment.

Upon publication of “If We Must Die” McKay commenced two years of travel and work abroad. He spent part of 1919 in Holland and Belgium, then moved to London and worked on the periodical Workers’ Dreadnought. In 1920 he published his third verse collection, Spring in New Hampshire, which was notable for containing “Harlem Shadows,” a poem about the plight of Black sex workers in the degrading urban environment.

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