Step-by-step explanation:
James Baldwin and Zora Neale Hurston were two prominent writers of the 20th century who explored the experiences of African Americans and their relationship with white culture and society. While both writers were deeply critical of the racism and inequality that existed in the United States, they had different attitudes about how African Americans should navigate and engage with white culture and society.
In his essay "Stranger in the Village," Baldwin explores his experiences as a Black man in a remote Swiss village and reflects on the complex history of race relations in the United States. Baldwin is deeply critical of white society and culture, arguing that it is built on a system of power and privilege that perpetuates racism and inequality. He writes, "White culture...has no need for a Black culture. But a Black culture has a need for a White culture to define itself." Baldwin argues that Black Americans are forced to define themselves in opposition to white culture, which perpetuates a system of inequality and oppression.
On the other hand, Hurston celebrates African American culture and traditions in her work, arguing that Black Americans should embrace their unique cultural heritage rather than trying to assimilate into white society. In her essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," Hurston writes, "I do not always feel colored. I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background." Hurston suggests that the cultural traditions and experiences of African Americans are valuable and unique, and that they should not be subsumed under white culture.
In conclusion, while both Baldwin and Hurston were critical of white culture and society, they had different attitudes about how African Americans should navigate and engage with it. Baldwin argued that Black Americans were forced to define themselves in opposition to white culture, while Hurston celebrated African American culture and encouraged Black Americans to embrace their heritage. Both writers offer important perspectives on the experiences of African Americans in the United States, and their work continues to be influential and insightful today.