A Raisin in the Sun Lesson Plan

What does Beneatha mean when she calls Walter and Ruth "old-fashioned Negroes"?

Walter and Ruth are dancing a slow drag, a dance dating back to the turn of the 20th century and the age of ragtime. The dance was stereotypically associated with African Americans and often with stereotypes of black people. Beneatha likely feels that they are embodying what she believes to be a negative stereotype, despite the fact that they are simply expressing their joy and love. Beneatha is the best-educated member of her family, which means she's been most exposed to a white perspective on black people, but is also politically active in fighting against the racist systems and beliefs....