2.5 Zora Neale Hurston and queer anthropology
8 min read•august 19, 2024
, a key figure in the , pioneered through her unique approach to fieldwork and representation. Her work challenged norms by documenting diverse experiences, including and , in African American communities.
Hurston's legacy in stems from her focus on and her exploration of intersecting identities. By centering Black experiences and questioning , she laid the groundwork for future scholars to examine the complexities of gender, sexuality, and race in anthropology and literature.
Zora Neale Hurston's life
Early years and education
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- Born in 1891 in Notasulga, Alabama and grew up in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-Black incorporated towns in the United States
- Attended Howard University in Washington D.C. where she co-founded the student newspaper The Hilltop and began writing short stories
- Studied anthropology at Barnard College under renowned anthropologist Franz Boas, earning her bachelor's degree in 1928
- Hurston's education in anthropology and exposure to the Harlem Renaissance shaped her unique perspective as a writer and researcher
Literary career and success
- Published her first novel, Jonah's Gourd Vine, in 1934 followed by her most famous work, , in 1937
- Wrote numerous short stories, essays, and plays throughout her career, often depicting African American life and folklore
- Received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1936 to conduct in Jamaica and Haiti
- Despite her literary achievements, Hurston struggled financially and died in poverty in 1960, her work falling into obscurity until Alice Walker revived interest in the 1970s
Anthropological fieldwork
- Conducted extensive fieldwork in the American South, Jamaica, and Haiti, collecting folklore, oral histories, and cultural practices
- Pioneered the use of in anthropology, immersing herself in the communities she studied
- Documented , including songs, stories, and voodoo practices in her books (1935) and Tell My Horse (1938)
- Hurston's anthropological work challenged prevailing notions of African American culture and highlighted the
Hurston's anthropological approach
Participant observation methodology
- Immersed herself in the communities she studied, participating in daily life and cultural practices to gain a deeper understanding
- Believed that an insider perspective was crucial to accurately representing the lived experiences of her subjects
- Challenged the detached, objective approach of traditional anthropology by emphasizing the importance of empathy and
- Hurston's methodology influenced the development of reflexive and interpretive approaches in anthropology
Focus on African American folklore
- Collected and documented African American folklore, including folktales, songs, and cultural practices in her anthropological works
- Argued that folklore was a vital part of African American culture and identity, reflecting the community's history, values, and resilience
- Used folklore as a lens to explore themes of race, gender, and power in African American life
- Hurston's focus on folklore challenged the notion that African American culture was inferior or primitive, instead celebrating its richness and complexity
Representation of queer identities
- Documented the presence of gender non-conforming individuals and same-sex relationships in the communities she studied
- Described the "two-headed doctor," a gender-fluid spiritual leader in New Orleans, in Mules and Men
- Explored the complexities of gender and sexuality in her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, which features a protagonist who defies traditional gender roles
- Hurston's representation of in her anthropological work and fiction challenged heteronormative assumptions and provided visibility for marginalized experiences
Queer themes in Hurston's work
Gender fluidity and non-conformity
- Depicted characters who transgressed traditional gender roles and expectations, such as Janie in Their Eyes Were Watching God
- Explored the idea of gender as a performance through the character of Joe Starks, who adopts a hypermasculine persona to assert his power
- Celebrated the strength and independence of women who defied societal norms, such as the conjure woman Big Sweet in Mules and Men
- Hurston's portrayal of gender fluidity and non-conformity challenged the rigidity of binary gender roles and highlighted the diversity of human experience
Same-sex desire and relationships
- Included to and relationships in her works, such as the close bond between Janie and Pheoby in Their Eyes Were Watching God
- Described the "patterned violence" of a same-sex relationship in her short story "Magnolia Flower"
- Explored the complexities of desire and identity through the character of Jody Sparks, who is attracted to both men and women
- While Hurston's depictions of same-sex desire were often coded or subtle, they nonetheless provided representation for queer experiences in a time when such topics were taboo
Challenging heteronormativity
- Questioned the assumption of heterosexuality as the default or natural state of being through her portrayal of diverse relationships and desires
- Depicted love and sexuality as fluid and multifaceted, rather than fixed or binary
- Celebrated the of women who chose their own paths in life, regardless of societal expectations around marriage and motherhood
- Hurston's challenge to heteronormativity in her work paved the way for more explicit and nuanced explorations of queer identity in literature and anthropology
Hurston's influence on queer anthropology
Pioneering ethnographic methods
- Hurston's use of participant observation and emphasis on insider perspectives laid the groundwork for ethnographic approaches in queer anthropology
- Her focus on the lived experiences and cultural contexts of her subjects influenced the development of , which seeks to understand queer lives on their own terms
- Hurston's work demonstrated the importance of in anthropological research, considering the ways that race, gender, and sexuality interact and shape individual experiences
Centering marginalized voices
- Hurston's anthropological work and fiction centered the voices and experiences of African Americans, particularly women and queer individuals
- Her approach challenged the marginalization and erasure of these perspectives in mainstream anthropology and literature
- By documenting and celebrating the lives of those on the margins, Hurston paved the way for queer anthropologists to prioritize the voices and agency of their subjects
- Hurston's work demonstrated the value of amplifying marginalized voices in order to create a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of human diversity
Paving the way for queer studies
- Hurston's exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity in her work laid the foundation for the emergence of queer studies as an academic field
- Her depiction of queer experiences and challenge to heteronormativity provided a model for later queer anthropologists and scholars
- Hurston's interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology, literature, and folklore, influenced the development of queer theory as a cross-disciplinary field
- By centering the experiences of marginalized communities and questioning dominant narratives, Hurston's work set the stage for the critical and subversive lens of queer studies
Hurston's legacy in art and literature
Contributions to Harlem Renaissance
- Hurston was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and music in the 1920s and 1930s
- Her unique voice and perspective, grounded in her anthropological training and experiences as a Black woman, enriched the cultural landscape of the Harlem Renaissance
- Hurston's work, including her novels, short stories, and plays, helped to redefine African American literature and challenge stereotypical representations of Black life
- Her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance laid the groundwork for later generations of African American writers and artists who continued to push boundaries and assert their voices
Inspiration for contemporary artists
- Hurston's work has inspired countless contemporary writers, filmmakers, and artists who have drawn on her themes, style, and perspective
- Her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God has been adapted into a film and a theatrical production, introducing new audiences to her work
- Writers such as Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and Zadie Smith have cited Hurston as a major influence on their own writing and credited her with paving the way for their success
- Hurston's legacy continues to inspire artists across mediums who seek to tell stories that center marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives
Enduring impact on queer representation
- Hurston's groundbreaking depiction of queer experiences and identities in her work has had a lasting impact on queer representation in art and literature
- Her subtle and nuanced exploration of same-sex desire, gender fluidity, and non-conformity provided a foundation for later queer writers and artists to build upon
- Hurston's work demonstrated the importance of intersectionality in queer representation, considering the ways that race, gender, and sexuality interact to shape individual experiences
- Her legacy has inspired contemporary queer artists to continue pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and celebrating the diversity of queer lives and identities
Criticism and controversies
Accusations of racial stereotyping
- Some critics have accused Hurston of perpetuating racial stereotypes in her portrayal of African American life and culture
- Her use of dialect and focus on folklore and rural communities has been seen by some as a reinforcement of negative stereotypes about Black people as primitive or uneducated
- Hurston's complex relationship with the politics of race and her criticism of some aspects of the Civil Rights Movement have also drawn scrutiny from some scholars and activists
- However, many defenders of Hurston argue that her work challenges stereotypes by presenting a nuanced and authentic portrayal of African American experiences and by celebrating the resilience and creativity of Black culture
Debates over authenticity and appropriation
- Hurston's use of African American folklore and her claim to insider status as a Black anthropologist have been the subject of debates over authenticity and appropriation
- Some critics have questioned whether Hurston's work accurately represents the experiences and perspectives of the communities she studied, or whether it reflects her own biases and interpretations
- Others have defended Hurston's approach, arguing that her insider perspective and immersive methodology provide a valuable and authentic representation of African American culture
- The debates over authenticity and appropriation in Hurston's work reflect broader tensions within anthropology and the study of marginalized communities, and continue to be a subject of scholarly discussion and analysis
Navigating intersections of race, gender, and sexuality
- Hurston's work grapples with the complex intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, and the ways in which these identities shape individual experiences and social dynamics
- Her exploration of queer themes and identities in the context of African American life has been both celebrated and scrutinized by scholars and activists
- Some have argued that Hurston's depiction of queer experiences is limited by the constraints of her time and the need to code or subtext same-sex desire and
- Others have praised Hurston for her groundbreaking and nuanced representation of queer lives, particularly in the context of a society that was deeply hostile to LGBTQ+ people
- Navigating the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in Hurston's work requires a careful and contextualized analysis that considers the social, political, and cultural factors that shaped her perspective and her art
- The debates and discussions surrounding Hurston's treatment of these intersecting identities reflect the ongoing challenges and opportunities of studying and representing marginalized communities in anthropology, literature, and beyond
Key Terms to Review (33)
African American Folklore: African American folklore encompasses the rich traditions, stories, songs, and cultural practices of African Americans, rooted in both African heritage and the experiences of slavery and freedom in the United States. This body of folklore includes oral narratives, spirituals, proverbs, and folk tales that reflect the values, struggles, and resilience of African American communities. It plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and transmitting knowledge across generations.
Agency and Autonomy: Agency refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, while autonomy is the ability to govern oneself and make decisions free from external control. In the context of cultural studies, these concepts emphasize the importance of self-determination and personal expression, allowing individuals to assert their identities in a world that often marginalizes them. Understanding these terms is crucial for recognizing how marginalized communities navigate societal structures to claim their rights and identities.
Black Lives Matter: Black Lives Matter is a social movement and organization advocating for the rights and lives of Black individuals, particularly in response to systemic racism, police brutality, and racial inequality. This movement emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black communities, while also aligning with broader social justice efforts. The phrase became widely recognized in 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, and has since served as a rallying cry for anti-racist activism.
Black queer aesthetics: Black queer aesthetics is a framework that merges the experiences and expressions of Black culture with queer identities, focusing on the ways art, literature, and performance reflect the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and gender. This aesthetic challenges dominant narratives by highlighting the unique perspectives of marginalized communities, fostering a sense of belonging and identity among those who embrace both their racial and sexual identities.
Critical Methodologies: Critical methodologies refer to approaches that analyze cultural texts and practices through various theoretical lenses, seeking to uncover hidden meanings, power dynamics, and social constructs. They often focus on deconstructing traditional narratives and exploring marginalized voices, making them essential in examining how identity and culture intersect with power and representation. These methodologies are vital in fields such as anthropology and art history, where understanding context is crucial for interpreting the complexities of cultural production.
Cultural relativism: Cultural relativism is the concept that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This idea emphasizes the importance of context and perspective in evaluating cultural practices, promoting an understanding that different societies have distinct norms and values.
Diversity of Black Experiences: The diversity of Black experiences refers to the wide range of cultural, social, economic, and historical contexts that shape the lives of individuals within the Black community. This concept emphasizes that there is no single narrative or monolithic experience that defines what it means to be Black, acknowledging the complexity brought about by factors like geography, class, sexuality, and historical background.
Documenting folklore: Documenting folklore involves the systematic collection, preservation, and analysis of cultural expressions, such as stories, music, dance, and rituals, that reflect the traditions and beliefs of a particular community. This practice is crucial for understanding how cultural identities are formed and maintained, especially in marginalized communities. By capturing these cultural expressions, researchers can highlight the unique narratives that shape individual and collective identities, often revealing insights into social norms and values.
Ethnographic research: Ethnographic research is a qualitative research method that focuses on understanding the cultural practices, beliefs, and experiences of a particular group through immersive observation and participation. This approach seeks to provide deep insights into the social dynamics and lived realities of individuals within their own environments, allowing for a nuanced perspective that goes beyond mere statistics or surface-level analysis.
Gender as performance: Gender as performance is the idea that gender identity and expression are not innate or fixed, but rather constructed through repeated actions, behaviors, and societal expectations. This concept suggests that individuals 'perform' their gender roles in daily life, influenced by cultural norms and social contexts, allowing for fluidity and change in how gender is understood and expressed.
Gender fluidity: Gender fluidity refers to a gender identity that can change over time or depending on the situation, encompassing a spectrum of identities that may shift between traditional understandings of masculinity and femininity. This concept challenges binary notions of gender, allowing individuals to express themselves in ways that may not fit neatly into male or female categories, often embracing aspects of both or neither.
Gender non-conformity: Gender non-conformity refers to behaviors, expressions, or identities that do not align with traditional or societal expectations of gender roles. This concept challenges the binary understanding of gender and recognizes the fluidity of gender expression, highlighting individuals who may express themselves in ways that diverge from societal norms related to masculinity and femininity. Gender non-conformity plays a significant role in discussions surrounding identity, representation, and cultural narratives, particularly in marginalized communities.
Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily during the 1920s, centered in Harlem, New York. It celebrated African American cultural expressions and produced a significant body of literature, music, visual art, and performance that often included themes of identity, racial pride, and social critique, with a notable undercurrent of queer expression and exploration.
Heteronormativity: Heteronormativity is the cultural bias that promotes heterosexuality as the default or normal sexual orientation, often marginalizing other sexual orientations and gender identities. This concept reinforces the idea that relationships are typically between men and women, leading to societal norms that prioritize and uphold traditional gender roles and expectations. Heteronormativity shapes the way art and literature reflect or challenge these norms, influencing how diverse identities are perceived and represented.
Intersectional feminism: Intersectional feminism is a framework that recognizes how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, overlap and affect individuals' experiences of oppression and privilege. This approach emphasizes that feminism must address not just gender inequality but also how other identities and systemic issues intersect to create unique experiences for individuals. By understanding these intersections, advocates aim to create a more inclusive and equitable movement.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect and interact to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept helps to understand the complexity of social issues and the unique experiences of individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups.
Lgbtq+ representation: LGBTQ+ representation refers to the inclusion and visibility of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions within various forms of media, literature, and culture. This representation is crucial for validating the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and fostering a sense of belonging in society. It also plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, challenging stereotypes and promoting acceptance.
Marginalized voices: Marginalized voices refer to perspectives and experiences of individuals or groups that are often excluded or overlooked in mainstream narratives due to their race, gender, sexuality, class, or other factors. These voices challenge dominant cultural and societal norms, offering unique insights into issues of identity and community. They are crucial in understanding the complexities of social dynamics and the impacts of systemic oppression.
Mules and Men: Mules and Men is a collection of folklore and narratives compiled by Zora Neale Hurston, reflecting the cultural heritage of African American communities in the early 20th century. This work explores themes of identity, resistance, and community through the lens of African American oral traditions, showcasing the significance of storytelling as a means of cultural expression and preservation.
Participant observation: Participant observation is a qualitative research method used in anthropology and social sciences where the researcher immerses themselves in the community being studied to gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors, cultures, and social dynamics. This approach allows researchers to collect data through direct experience and engagement rather than relying solely on external observations or interviews. It emphasizes the importance of context and relationships in understanding human behavior, which is particularly relevant when examining marginalized communities and identities.
Pioneering ethnographic methods: Pioneering ethnographic methods refer to innovative research techniques used to study cultures and communities from an insider's perspective. These methods emphasize participant observation, immersive engagement, and the importance of context, allowing researchers to capture the complexities of social dynamics and identity, particularly within marginalized groups. This approach is essential for understanding diverse experiences, especially in queer anthropology, where traditional methods often overlooked LGBTQ+ narratives and voices.
Queer anthropology: Queer anthropology is a subfield within anthropology that focuses on the study of sexualities, gender identities, and expressions through a queer lens. It challenges traditional norms by examining how various cultures understand and express queer identities, emphasizing the diversity of sexual experiences across different societies. This approach seeks to dismantle heteronormative assumptions and highlight the fluidity of gender and sexuality in anthropological research.
Queer ethnography: Queer ethnography is a research approach that combines traditional ethnographic methods with queer theory to explore and analyze the experiences, cultures, and identities of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. This method seeks to challenge normative understandings of identity, sexuality, and culture by focusing on marginalized voices and lived experiences, emphasizing the fluidity of gender and sexuality. It also critiques the biases in mainstream ethnographic practices and embraces intersectionality to provide a more comprehensive understanding of diverse queer identities.
Queer expressionism: Queer expressionism is an artistic movement that emphasizes the exploration and representation of queer identities, experiences, and emotions through various visual and performance arts. This approach often challenges traditional norms and conventions by embracing non-normative aesthetics, allowing for a more fluid and inclusive interpretation of identity. It connects deeply to themes of self-exploration, social critique, and the affirmation of diverse queer narratives.
Queer identities: Queer identities refer to a diverse spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that challenge traditional norms and categorizations of sexuality and gender. These identities often encompass individuals who do not conform to societal expectations of heteronormativity, allowing for a more fluid understanding of who we are as sexual and gendered beings. This term is crucial in examining the interplay between culture, representation, and individual identity, particularly in the context of art and anthropology.
Queer studies: Queer studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the social, cultural, and political aspects of queer identities and experiences. It challenges traditional notions of sexuality and gender, emphasizing the fluidity and complexity of these concepts. By analyzing literature, art, history, and social practices, queer studies seeks to uncover the marginalized narratives and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
Same-sex desire: Same-sex desire refers to the romantic and sexual attraction that individuals experience towards members of their own gender. This concept is central to understanding the complexity of human sexuality, as it has been expressed, represented, and contested throughout history in various cultural contexts. It plays a significant role in shaping identities, art, literature, and social movements, often challenging societal norms and expectations around love and relationships.
Same-sex relationships: Same-sex relationships refer to romantic and sexual partnerships between individuals of the same gender. These relationships can encompass a wide range of expressions, from casual dating to long-term partnerships, and have been documented throughout history across various cultures. Understanding same-sex relationships is crucial for grasping the complexities of human sexuality and the social constructs surrounding gender and love.
Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969. These events are widely considered a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, influencing numerous aspects of queer art, activism, and identity.
Subtle References: Subtle references are indirect hints or allusions within a work that convey deeper meanings or connections without being overtly explicit. These references often rely on cultural, historical, or social contexts, allowing the audience to engage with the material on a more nuanced level. In literature and art, especially in queer anthropology, subtle references can reveal identities, relationships, and societal critiques while remaining under the radar of mainstream interpretations.
Their Eyes Were Watching God: Their Eyes Were Watching God is a novel by Zora Neale Hurston, published in 1937, that tells the story of Janie Crawford's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment through her relationships and experiences. This work is significant in the context of African American literature and feminist thought, and it also opens avenues for queer interpretations, exploring themes of identity, desire, and freedom in a society that often suppresses individuality.
Visual Culture Studies: Visual culture studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the role of visual images and media in shaping cultural practices, identities, and social dynamics. This approach integrates art history, cultural studies, and media theory to analyze how visual representations influence perceptions of race, gender, sexuality, and power. By focusing on the visual aspects of culture, it highlights how imagery impacts our understanding of social relationships and identity formation.
Zora Neale Hurston: Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker, best known for her works exploring the cultural heritage of African Americans in the early 20th century. Her most famous novel, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' delves into themes of identity, gender, and self-discovery, showcasing the richness of Black culture. Hurston's contributions to queer anthropology include her examination of gender roles and sexuality within the context of African American communities, challenging traditional norms and celebrating diversity.