How was discrimination like in the Harlem Renaissance?
While just a small portion of the West Indian population were political and economic activists, the majority of West Indians were trying to better their own economic positions. Menial labor was considered a sign of racial degradation and was looked upon with disgust. Most ***** immigrants accepted menial jobs but were motivated by their traditions and beliefs to improve their lot in life. As a group, the West Indians became noted for their ambition, thrift, and business acumen. Some of the American Negroes resented the economic success that West Indians achieved. Another distinction between the American and foreign-born ***** was in their attitudes toward family life. Slavery had separated many American ***** families, whereas West Indian family ties were still fairly intact. The West Indian family was patriarchal in structure in contrast with the typically matriarchal American ***** home. It was beneath the father to help out with household chores. West Indian children were supposed t
