Explored the capital logic and business ethics reflected in Whitehead's "Harlem shuffle" in 21st century African American literature. The article analyzes the interpersonal relationships intertwined with racial identity and wealth in the Harlem capital world, how financial tycoons use family ties to pursue maximum capital benefits, and the moral adherence and wisdom of minority "small people" in business ethics. At the same time, the article points out the prosperous scene of African American literature in the 21st century, how Whitehead combines realism and experimentalism, deconstructs the binary opposition between the business and life circles, and how "Harlem shuffle" decodes capital logic and business ethics from the New York appearance. In addition, the article also discusses the impact of "post racial capitalism" on the African American "American Dream" and citizenship rights, as well as the moral disorder in the American business system caused by the collusion between racism and capital.

The Capital Logic of Harlem Business System

Explored the capital logic in the development of American cities after the 1960s, particularly the cultural phenomenon of late capitalism. Zhan Mingxin attributed these phenomena to the logic of history and capital, the latter of which is explained in Marx's "Capital" as the logic of interest proliferation and power domination. This logic coexists with the "gentrification" movement of the 1960s and 1970s, leading to the withdrawal of capital from inner city areas, ethnic minorities and poor white people moving into declining areas, and the private, speculative, and predatory nature of capital accumulation forcing marginalized groups to move out. Through the story of the protagonist Kearney, "Harlem Shuffle" showcases the specific manifestations of capital logic in Harlem, New York, including strict definitions of background, the "circle culture" of the business world, and the widespread phenomenon of bribery and corruption. The Leland and Alma couple in the book represent the financial elites of light skinned black people, who hold a dissatisfied attitude towards their lowly son-in-law Carney. The Alexandre Dumas Club embodies the dual symbolism of capital and race, becoming a gathering place for black business elites. The book also depicts the common phenomenon of bribery and extortion in the business world, such as Kearney being extorted by white police officers, gang leaders, financial tycoons, and Duke bankers engaging in the law of the jungle and unscrupulous behavior. These plots reveal the collusion between capital, power, and race, as well as the value differentiation of the black middle class in the capital market, warning ethnic minorities not to collude with mainstream capitalists to avoid triggering a social moral crisis.

The moral crisis of the "big shots" in the shopping mall

The middle-class movement in the United States was influenced by neoliberalism, leading to a moral crisis. The Harlem shuffle reveals the impact of capital logic and racial politics on the ethics of daily life, especially the moral crisis of business leaders. The head of the Van Wyck family, Ambrose, has moral issues in both business and family, and his family history is filled with racial prejudice and unethical behavior. Ambrose's behavior in the real estate industry violates Kant's moral philosophy, lacking reverence and moral obligation. He showed indifference towards the death of his son Linus, further exposing his moral crisis. The discrimination against people of color by white supremacists such as Ambrose contradicts Kant's racial stance and reflects the moral dilemma of prominent figures in Harlem's business world.

The Ethical Wisdom of Small People in the Business World

Discussed the ethical wisdom of the "small business people" in "Harlem shuffle", especially how the protagonist Carney and his wife Elizabeth adhere to ethical bottom lines in a morally corrupt business environment. Kani navigates between legal operations and underground transactions, but always adheres to ethical bottom lines, while Elizabeth applies her professional knowledge to help black tourists avoid racial discrimination and violence at the "Black Star" tourism company. Their actions reflect Whitehead's pursuit of a balance between material and spiritual civilization, as well as the practice of responsibility ethics and consequence ethics in Kant's moral philosophy. Family ethics play an important role in the writing of 21st century American ethnic literature cities, becoming a redeeming force under the logic of capital and racial prejudices. The story of Kearney and Elizabeth demonstrates how they exercise restraint in the business underworld and how they integrate personal virtues with national welfare, embodying ethical wisdom that transcends the logic of capital. Whitehead revealed the complex relationships between capital, power, and race in American society through these roles, and explored the political landscape and cultural representations of late capitalism.