A seat at the table
After a hundred years of waiting to be seated
Nearly a century ago, Langston Hughes penned his masterpiece “I Too.” The poignant question remains: has anything truly changed for Black Americans? While incremental progress has been made, we must not kid ourselves — there is still much work to do. This poem demands to be heard, seen, and acknowledged, crying out for the respect and dignity Black Americans deserve.
In “I Too,” Hughes paints a powerful picture through vivid imagery and language that strikes at the very core of our being. The opening lines establish the setting by revealing that when guests arrive, the speaker is relegated to the kitchen and not permitted to sit at the table. It is a stark reminder of the historical and ongoing marginalization and exclusion that Black Americans have endured, often without recourse or remedy.
The table metaphor is perhaps the poem’s most striking and memorable image. The table represents a physical and symbolic space, a metaphor for mainstream American society.
The term “darker brother” also serves as a powerful metaphor. This phrase refers to the speaker’s identity as a Black American. It is used to contrast him with the “whiter” members of society who occupy the table. By positioning the speaker as a “brother.” Hughes creates a sense of shared humanity while highlighting that the speaker is excluded from the same privileges and opportunities they enjoy.
But what truly distinguishes this poem is the speaker’s dignified composure despite facing such rejection. Rather than lash out or demand a place at the table, the speaker asserts quietly that he is America and deserves a seat. This is where the poem truly resonates, for it speaks to a much deeper exclusion than mere physical placement — the exclusion from the greater American narrative, the dismissal of Black stories and experiences as unworthy of attention or respect.
And here is where the poem’s real power comes into focus, forcing us to confront an uncomfortable truth: Black Americans have been systematically oppressed and marginalized in our country. It demands that we acknowledge the deep pain and trauma this has caused and take real, substantive action toward justice and equality.
The themes and messages of Langston Hughes’ poem “I Too” are as relevant and resonant today as they were a century ago. Social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter and the protests led by Colin Kaepernick against police brutality and violence have shed light on the continued existence of systemic racism and marginalization faced by Black Americans. When we look in the mirror of our society, we must confront the uncomfortable truths of ongoing issues such as voter suppression, school-to-prison pipelines, and economic inequality, including unequal access to healthcare and Universal Health Coverage. Despite the passage of time, Black Americans continue to experience systemic racism and marginalization.
It is time to rethink earning a seat at the table. Black Americans should not have to make their place in society, as they are equal members of society and should be treated as such. The fact that this question still needs to be asked speaks to the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.
But beyond the specific issues Black Americans face, this poem reminds us that the struggle for inclusion is not limited to one particular group but is a universal human need. Whether it is due to our race, gender, ability, or any other factor, we all deserve to be heard, seen, and valued.
Langston Hughes’ “I Too” is a reminder that Black Americans have always known the ugly truth: that they are not treated as equals in this country. It is unacceptable that in 2023, we still need to fight for fundamental rights and dignity. It’s time to stop pretending that we live in a just and equitable society and start dismantling the systems of oppression that continue to perpetuate inequality. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand real action toward a future that values and respects everyone. Let’s honour the legacy of those who have fought for justice and create a society we can be proud of. It’s time to stop talking and work hard to create real change. The time for change is now, and we cannot afford to wait another 100 years.
