From Beaumont to Detroit

Beaumont to Detroit: 1943

Looky here, America
What you done done--
Let things drift
Until the riots come.

Now your policemen
Let your mobs run free
I reckon you don't care
Nothing about me.

You tell me that Hitler
Is a mighty bad man.
I guess he took lessons
from the Klu Klux Klan.

You tell me Mussolini's
Got an evil heart.
Well, it mus-a been in Beaumont
That he had his start--

Cause everything that Hitler
And Mussolini do,
Negroes get the same
Treatment from you.

You Jim crowed me
Before Hitler rose to power--
And you're STILL Jim crowing me
Right now, this very hour.

Yet you say we're fighting
For democracy.
Then why don't democracy
Include me?

I ask you this question
Cause I want to know
How long I got to fight
BOTH HITLER--AND JIM CROW

Bear with Caroline Myers here readers. This poem was clearly written many years ago. It's an old poem and the state of the country has obviously improved immensely. However, this poem is one that leaves a lasting impression. Langston writes about the Fascism of World War II and how the people of Germany are being heavily oppressed. It's when he compares those problems to America and it's racial inequality, that this poem becomes powerful. For example, when he states "Cause everything that Hitler and Mussolini do, negroes get the same treatment from you"(ll 17-20). Langston reveals America's hypocritical actions. They feel the need to go mend the inequality in Europe when their own nation isn't even granting citizens in their own country the same privileges. WOW as long ago as this all was, it's still apart of America's history. As much as people would like to block it out of their minds, it happened and it won't be forgotten. It's better that it not be forgotten, because then it can be taught in school. Students can learn from the country's mistakes. Caroline Myers has pointed out many racial issues still existing in the United States today, but it's important to realize how far it has come.