But this is the mountain standing in the way of any true negro art in america—this urge within the race toward whiteness, the desire to pour racial individuality into the mold of american standardization, and to be as little negro and as much american as possible. what was hughes's intended meaning in the statement? negro artists will be recognized when their art conforms to society. negro artists must create art only about their culture and ignore criticism. negro artists must gain recognition in any art form society will accept. negro artists will be accepted when their style is considered american.