African American criticism focuses on the experiences of oppression black people go through and how ideologies contrubute to oppression.
Questions African American Critcism May Ask
- What are the racial politics of the work? Does it correct or reinforce stereotypes? historical information? celebrate African American ways of experience- or reinforce racist ideologies?
- Undertsanding the poitcal message the author is aiming for in the work will tell you the issue at hand and how it is addressed. It may either correct or reinforce common stereotypes of black people/
Pros of theory
- only focuses on african american issues
Cons
- promotes equality
Contributors
The contributors for this theory were groups of African Americans or slaves who came together to stop oppression. Black slaves back in the 18th century confront audiences, promoting black individuality and identity. The Black Arts movement further contributed to this theory as they believed black literature should be judge eually as well.