CULTURE PAST AND PRESENT IN THE SELECT NOVELS OF ISHMAEL REED

Abstract

Ishmael Reed challenges the western hegemonic control over literary productions, providing a nuanced portrayal of the specific social circumstances faced by Black Americans in his works. His incorporation of HooDoo philosophy into the literary landscape interrogates dominant notions, assumptions, and definitions. Reed argues that Haitian VooDoo serves as the foundation for all religions, asserting that VooDoo aesthetics have evolved into HooDoo as a vital expression of ancient culture. The plots of his novels traverse a wide temporal spectrum, from African mythology to the eighteenth century and into the present, weaving together historical events such as slavery, cowboy legends, and modern technology. By revitalizing the creativity inherent in African American heritage, his works seek to challenge established beliefs and media-driven narratives about race, religion, and indigenous cultures.

The principal argument of Ishmael Reed's novels revolves around defining a comprehensive Afro-American aesthetic. Through his writings, he advocates for a sensual humanism as a pertinent cultural alternative for non-white Americans, embodying a vision of Dionysian consciousness. His imaginative reinterpretations of the American West are enriched with ancient mythologies, non-European folklore, and conventions from popular culture. His depictions of the American Civil War, the Harlem Renaissance, and contemporary American politics present heresies intended to liberate readers from the intellectual dominance of Judeo-Christian heritage. This research article aims to illustrate how African American culture has evolved over time through select novels by Ishmael Reed.