"How dare anyone, parent, schoolteacher, or merely literary critic, tell me not to act colored"

This quote by Arna Bontemps speaks to the experience of being an individual of shade in a society that commonly looks for to reject or disregard the distinct experiences of people of color. Bontemps is testing the suggestion that individuals of shade must not reveal their society or identification in a manner that is meaningful to them. He is insisting that it is wrong for anyone, whether it be a parent, schoolteacher, or literary doubter, to tell somebody not to act in a way that clings their identification. He is emphasizing the value of having the ability to reveal one's society and identification without fear of reasoning or criticism. Bontemps is making a powerful declaration concerning the importance of being able to express one's identification without worry of judgement or objection. He is asserting that it is incorrect for any individual to inform somebody not to act in such a way that is true to their identification. He is stressing the importance of being able to reveal one's culture as well as identification without worry of reasoning or objection. This quote talks to the relevance of having the ability to share one's identity without worry of judgement or objection, and it is an effective suggestion of the relevance of appreciating and also celebrating the special experiences of individuals of color.