Question

daybreak in alabama
when i get to be a composer
im gonna write me some music about
daybreak in alabama
and im gonna put the purtiest songs in it
rising out of the ground like a swamp mist
and falling out of heaven like soft dew.
im gonna put some tall tall trees in it
and the scent of pine needles
and the smell of red clay after rain
and long red necks
and poppy colored faces
and big brown arms
and the field daisy eyes
of black and white black white black people
and im gonna put white hands
and black hands and brown and yellow hands
and red clay earth hands in it
touching everybody with kind fingers
and touching each other natural as dew
in that dawn of music when i
get to be a composer
and write about daybreak
in alabama.

daybreak in alabama - prompt
what does the following line mean? \and im gonna put white hands and black hands and brown and yellow hands and red clay earth hands in it touching everybody with kind fingers\. in your response write at least 100 words. (5 points)

Explanation:

This line from "Daybreak in Alabama" uses "hands" as a symbolic representation of different racial and ethnic groups (white, black, brown, yellow) and the land (red clay earth hands). The "touching everybody with kind fingers" signifies a vision of unity, harmony, and mutual respect across these groups. The "red clay earth hands" connect people to the Alabama landscape, emphasizing a shared connection to the land. The composer (the speaker) envisions a musical work that transcends racial divides, where diverse people interact with kindness, reflecting a desire for a post - racial, inclusive society. The imagery of hands touching kindly contrasts with the historical racial tensions in Alabama, offering a utopian view of coexistence. The use of natural imagery (like red clay, a key part of Alabama's geography) ties the human community to the environment, suggesting that this unity is as natural as the land itself. The different hand colors represent the multicultural fabric of society, and the act of touching with kind fingers is an act of empathy, friendship, and breaking down barriers. This line is a poetic call for racial harmony, using the metaphor of hands in music to paint a picture of a world where differences are celebrated and kindness bridges all gaps.

Answer:

The line “And I’m gonna put white hands and black hands and brown and yellow hands and red clay earth hands in it touching everybody with kind fingers” from “Daybreak in Alabama” is a richly symbolic and deeply evocative passage that encapsulates a vision of unity, inclusivity, and harmony across racial, ethnic, and even the human - earth divide.

First, the “hands” in this line are a powerful metaphor. The different colored hands (white, black, brown, yellow) represent the diverse racial and ethnic groups that make up the human population. In the context of Alabama, a state with a complex history of racial tension, especially regarding the Black - White dynamic, but also with growing multiculturalism, these hands symbolize the various communities. “White hands” can be seen as representing the white population, “black hands” the African - American community, “brown hands” perhaps Latino or other brown - skinned ethnic groups, and “yellow hands” Asian communities. By including all these different - colored hands, the speaker (the aspiring composer) is envisioning a world where all racial and ethnic groups are included, not excluded.

The “red clay earth hands” add another layer of symbolism. Red clay is a prominent feature of Alabama's landscape, so these hands represent the connection between people and the land. It signifies that humans are not just separate from the earth but are deeply connected to it. This connection is universal, as all people, regardless of race, are tied to the land in some way. So, the “red clay earth hands” bridge the gap between the human community and the natural world, suggesting that our unity also extends to our relationship with the environment.

The act of “touching everybody with kind fingers” is the heart of the symbolism. Touching with “kind fingers” is an act of empathy, friendship, and respect. It is a vision of a world where people of different races and ethnicities interact with kindness, without prejudice, hatred, or violence. In the context of Alabama's history, which includes a legacy of racial segregation, discrimination, and violence (such as the civil rights struggles), this is a radical and utopian vision. It is a call for a society where racial barriers are broken down, and people reach out to one another in goodwill.

This line also reflects the broader themes of the poem. The speaker wants to write music about daybreak in Alabama, and daybreak is a symbol of new beginnings, hope, and a fresh start. The inclusion of all these different hands in the music of daybreak suggests that this new beginning is one of inclusivity. The music, as a creative medium, is meant to be a vehicle for this vision of unity. The composer wants to create art that not only reflects the beauty of the Alabama landscape but also the beauty of a diverse and harmonious human community.

Furthermore, the use of the word “put” in “I’m gonna put... hands in it” implies an active act of creation. The composer is not just passively observing the world but is actively trying to shape a vision of a better world through their art. By putting these hands into the music, they are trying to make this vision of unity a part of the cultural and emotional landscape of Alabama, just as daybreak is a part of its physical landscape.

The idea of “touching everybody” with kind fingers also suggests a sense of universality. It is not just a few people touching a few others, but a widespread, all - encompassing act of kindness. It is a vision of a society where empathy and goodwill are the norm, not the exception. In a world often divided by race, class, and ethnicity, this line offers a counter - narrative of togetherness.

In conclusion, this line is a poetic manifesto for a more inclusive, harmonious world. It uses the metaphor of hands, both human (of different races) and earth - like (red clay), to envision a future (or a present - day aspiration) where all people, regardless of their race or their connection to the land, interact with kindness and unity. It is a powerful statement against division and a beautiful expression of hope for a world where differences are celebrated and kindness is the bridge that connects us all.