Color in America vs. Europe: A Letter to Nella Larsen

Dear Ms. Nella Larsen, 

I found it really interesting how you portrayed the differences of life in America versus Europe for Helga, a black woman. In Copenhagen, she was considered to be "exotic" and different as there weren't many black people there; a person of color was rare. However, Helga wasn't discriminated against or oppressed, like she was in America. Her role in society in Copenhagen was simply to look pretty - she was, as she describes herself, a "decoration. A curio. A peacock." (pg. 73) Since her skin color was rare in Europe, she was admired (unlike in America, where black skin was not considered beautiful by white people); however, this was also a little degrading as people only cared about her looks. 

I found it interesting how you mention that Helga could belong "to herself alone and not to a race" in Copenhagen. In America, she always felt like she had to act a certain way and like certain things (ie musicians) to support black culture and advocate for the black race. However she's free to act however she wants in Copenhagen because there is no precedent she has to follow. 

Sincerely, 

Jahnavi Bhavsar 

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