关键词: 黑人知识分子, 身份困境, 盖茨, 美国非裔文学批评

Abstract: The development of the black community cannot be separated from the efforts of black intellectuals, but they are often criticized for being separated from the black people. Gates is a leading figure in African American studies today. On the one hand, his African American literary criticism highlights the uniqueness of African American literature. On the other hand, his position in academic institutions makes him examine the problems existing in African American literary studies from the perspective of institutions. Gates professional responsibilities in mainstream institutions are related to his class identity. His African American literary criticism not only tries to meet the needs of African American literary studies, but also caters to the expectations of mainstream society, which highlights the identity dilemma of black intellectuals.

Key words: black intellectuals, identity dilemma, Gates, African American literary criticism