Noted, but underrated Black intellectual, Harold Cruse, wrote one of the most critical works in African American social, political, and cultural thought. Entitled The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual, the book was published initially in 1967. Containing Cruse's sharp critiques, which are just as prevalent today, the book is a must read for anyone interested (as you should be) in Black intellectual discourse and the continued struggle of African American identity. Cruse left no stone unturned in this work; even venturing into the role of Black artists, their responsibility in the Black community, and the society, at large. In chapter 3, titled Cultural Leadership and Cultural Democracy, Cruse stated:
"Racial democracy is, at the same time, cultural democracy; and the question of cultural democracy in America is posed in a way never before seen or considered in other societies. This uniqueness results historically from the manner in which American cultural developments have been influenced by the Negro presence. Since a cultural philosophy has been cultivated to deny this truth, it remains for the Negro intellectual to create his own philosophy and to bring the facts of cultural history in focus with the culture practices of the present. In advanced societies it is not the race politicians of the "rights" leaders who create the new ideas and the new images of life and man. That role belongs to the artists and the intellectuals of each generation. Let the race politicians, if they will, create political, economic, or organizational forms of leadership; but it is the artists and creative minds who will, and must, furnish the all important content. "
What do you think about Cruse's statements?
"Racial democracy is, at the same time, cultural democracy; and the question of cultural democracy in America is posed in a way never before seen or considered in other societies. This uniqueness results historically from the manner in which American cultural developments have been influenced by the Negro presence. Since a cultural philosophy has been cultivated to deny this truth, it remains for the Negro intellectual to create his own philosophy and to bring the facts of cultural history in focus with the culture practices of the present. In advanced societies it is not the race politicians of the "rights" leaders who create the new ideas and the new images of life and man. That role belongs to the artists and the intellectuals of each generation. Let the race politicians, if they will, create political, economic, or organizational forms of leadership; but it is the artists and creative minds who will, and must, furnish the all important content. "
What do you think about Cruse's statements?
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