10 thoughts on “Blog Post #9: Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time” (pp. 67-80)”

1. 

   What really stood out to me most in this section of the book is the aura of Elijah Muhammad described by James Baldwin. Even though Baldwin is an intellectual being capable of freely expressing his thoughts and emotions, it seems that around Elijah even Baldwin was beginning to stutter. Yes I do realize that in specific instances, such as the part where Baldwin tells Muhammad that he has white friends, Baldwin actually does speak out against Muhammad’s ideals. Even then it is not as concise and direct as a person of Baldwin’s stature normally speaks, and it is clear to readers that Baldwin is somewhat nervous even when saying those few words. I don’t believe that Baldwin was ever at risk in speaking out against Muhammad, but the only thing that he did risk losing was the support of his fellow black brothers in attendance. It seemed as if Baldwin speaking out against Muhammad automatically made him side with the white men, which was something that Baldwin did not want to portray.

2. 

   What stood out to me in this section of the book is one of the last points Baldwin makes. He says that black people cannot have a future without a past. It stood out to me because during Baldwin’s time, black people really did not have history. I have learned about the history of black people and it only extends as far back as the time when Baldwin lived. Everything before that is pretty unclear and unspecific to me. I can say that today we have history because of the people during Baldwin’s time created it. Baldwin risked a lot being so forthright with Elijah Muhammad. Elijah Muhammad held a lot power and had very hateful ideals. Being on Elijah Muhammad’s bad side could have lead to bad consequences. Baldwin was even up front about where he was going after the meeting. This could have been taken offensively by Elijah Muhammad and who knows what would have happened then.

3. 

   What stood out to me was when Baldwin described the members of the Nation of Islam as men with nothing to lose. The members were victims of societal circumstances. They had nothing left but the Nation of Islam and its message. These type men are most effective in pushing a message no matter how extreme. Elijah Mohammed was an example of a man with nothing to lose, and his goal was to recruit men who also had nothing. By speaking out against Elijah Mohammed, Baldwin may have risked his own credibility within the black community. Baldwin argues that not all white people are bad and that he has many in his life that have been kind to him. He dismisses Mohammed’s idea of a separate black state as reparations for slavery. However, most of the black community would find it hard to believe Baldwin’s argument because of their own experiences with racial tensions.

4. 

   What stood out to me was when Baldwin proclaimed that he left the church and was not involved in any form of movement and that he did not see himself joining the one led by Elijah. He then went on to say that he didn’t think much of it if a white and black person were to get married and that he had many friends that were white. I was surprised when I read this because I realized that the environment that Baldwin shared this was not the ideal one to talk about such matters. He was in a room with individuals that had the belief that white people were the devil. As for what is Baldwin risking by being so forthright with an individual such as Elijah Muhammed, I am not sure. Elijah is not someone to have on their bad side. This guy scared the life out of someone such as Muhammad Ali. When Ali refused to serve in the U.S Armed forces, it was not internal. He could not even if he wanted to, as it would be against the values of the Nation of Islam. He feared for his life, as he thought he would be killed if he went on to serve.

5. 

   What stood out the most in reading James Baldwin’s writings was how conflicted he was about Elijah Muhammad’s statement, that white people had dropped the ball and failed black people, thus branding all white people with the “White Devil” label. Baldwin had white people in his life whom he trusted and loved, but he questioned himself on whether they had failed, considering the fact that power is more real and stronger than love. Baldwin also felt that even with his positive experience with some whites it would be difficult or near impossible to change the minds of Elijah Muhammed and his followers because he could not argue his feelings with their personal experiences and beliefs. One thing that Baldwin risk is Elijah Muhammad possibly being offended or misinterpreting his forthrightness as disrespect. If he became an enemy to Muhammad he became an enemy to the black Muslim society, losing their respect and admiration. It has been alleged that once Malcolm X became an enemy Muhammad had him executed, there was a possibility that Baldwin could have experienced the same fate.

6. 

   The quote “ This is why the most dangerous creation of any society is that man that has nothing to lose “ stood out to me the most out of everything. This stood out to me because it gives reasoning into the fact that leaders like Elijah or Martin Luther king jr or black people in general felt like so much was taken away from them so they’d do anything to get their freedom or prove/impose their views on society. Whether that was from non-violence acts or various speeches or numerous imprisonments. They sacrificed so much.

   I feel like being very forthright in any situation could risk the aspect of being judged, looked down upon, or even look up to. Personally I don’t think this is a bad thing but others may think so.

7. 

   The thing that stood out to me in this section of the book was how much Baldwin was trying his best to justify his point of view. It was a contrast from the start of the reading where he confidently criticized Elijah’s ideology. Baldwin seemed to genuinely understand and empathize with him and the movement as a whole because he also fits the demographic the NOI appeals to. There is a lot risk going against Elijah because not only is he a representation of hope for people him, it could also lead to Baldwin being ostracized from the only support group that relate to him.

8. 

   The part that stood out to me the most and that I felt had the greatest impact was when Baldwin said to himself,” I love a few people and they love me and some of them are white, and isn’t love more important then color?” This saying has great meaning and is so simply written to read and understand. Basically a summary of how Baldwin feels on the subject of race in an evil time where that’s all some people see. I also find it interesting that he said it to himself and not Elijah, although I assume it was out of fear. But for the most part he was forthright. As he didn’t really have much of a choice or anywhere to go, plus it’s just the right thing to do.

9. 

   The quote on page 71 where Baldwin says that he cared more about love than race stood out to me the most. His words showed his motivation behind his actions as an activist during his time: encouraging everyone to love one another. Baldwin had a heart for both Blacks and Whites. By being forthright with someone like Elijah Muhammad, Baldwin risks backlash from the public. Muhammad, his followers, and even Baldwin’s critique would portray him as a pro-white activist to the public when he really acts for both Blacks and Whites.

10. 

    The part that struck out to me the most was on pg 73 where Baldwin writes ” I suddenly had a glimpse of what white people must go through at a dinner table when they are trying to prove that Negroes are not subhuman”. The reverse racism he poignantly points out here really struck a chord in me. The same bigotry that the Nation of Islam claims whites use to keep down Negroes is the same bigotry that is being spewed by their rhetoric of the white devil. This frame of mind is so pernicious and deeply ingrained you can’t fight against it or reason with it. I think Baldwin was faced with this insurmountable challenge and resigned himself to the futility of convincing Elijah of the boons of white people.

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