Ralph Ellison begins by talking about how obtaining "the minimum sense of diversity and variety" is "a big challenge, and still is a big challenge," and how there are "so many excuses with not trying to grapple with it" (:26 to :40). This is still extremely evident even now in our society. Many times, we either brush aside the difficulties surrounding the issue of a sense of a diversity or we even simply overlook the fact that this is still an issue, a big challenge, that needs to be resolved.
As a writer, Ellison addresses the role of such issues in writing. He admits that "the unity of the American experience beyond all considerations of class, of race or of religion are all very very important" for writers; especially, since "the nation is still in the process of discovering itself" (4:40 to 5:00). In my opinion, this statement applies to society, and not just what is necessary for writers to do. Taking considerations of class, race, and religion are all extremely prevalent for a person to remain aware and not ignorant. Since we are still developing as a country where issues of diversity continue to exist, we are forced to take a stance on these problems. Furthermore, Ellison implies that writers must do the same and contribute to the nation's growth. Ellison's commentary reveals some insight on his view of things, which reflects many of the ideas in his novel, Invisible Man.
Later, Ellison reads an excerpt from part of another work, Juneteenth, which begins with "They cut out our tongues and left us speechless. They cut out our tongues. Lord, they left us without words. Amen! They scattered our tongues in this land like seed. And, they left us without language. They took away our talking drums" (20:25 to 20:45). Although I haven't actually read this piece before, what Ellison read aloud made me make a connection between how Ellison felt about his voice as an author with his being an African American writer. However, he speaks strictly as an American writer when mentioning "techniques of eloquence," and with that seems moves past any other labels.
As a writer, Ellison addresses the role of such issues in writing. He admits that "the unity of the American experience beyond all considerations of class, of race or of religion are all very very important" for writers; especially, since "the nation is still in the process of discovering itself" (4:40 to 5:00). In my opinion, this statement applies to society, and not just what is necessary for writers to do. Taking considerations of class, race, and religion are all extremely prevalent for a person to remain aware and not ignorant. Since we are still developing as a country where issues of diversity continue to exist, we are forced to take a stance on these problems. Furthermore, Ellison implies that writers must do the same and contribute to the nation's growth. Ellison's commentary reveals some insight on his view of things, which reflects many of the ideas in his novel, Invisible Man.
Later, Ellison reads an excerpt from part of another work, Juneteenth, which begins with "They cut out our tongues and left us speechless. They cut out our tongues. Lord, they left us without words. Amen! They scattered our tongues in this land like seed. And, they left us without language. They took away our talking drums" (20:25 to 20:45). Although I haven't actually read this piece before, what Ellison read aloud made me make a connection between how Ellison felt about his voice as an author with his being an African American writer. However, he speaks strictly as an American writer when mentioning "techniques of eloquence," and with that seems moves past any other labels.