# Harlem Renaissance and Cultural Exploitation in The Blacker the Berry

> Theme guide for The Blacker the Berry by Wallace Thurman.

The novel critiques white fascination with Harlem as a 'fad,' exemplified by characters like Campbell Kitchen who exploit Black culture for profit, while Emma Lou observes that cabarets are 'patronized almost solely by whites.'

## Where it surfaces

- [Part III: Alva](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/chapters/part-iii-alva): Arline Strange's performance as a 'Negro Carmen' and the cabaret scene reflect the commodification of Black culture for white audiences.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/themes/harlem_renaissance_and_cultural_exploitation
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/themes