In the short reading, “My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation”, James Baldwin writes a somber yet somewhat hopeful letter to his fifteen-year-old nephew who was named after him. In it, he states quite clearly and straightforwardly that, “You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a nigger” (7). Baldwin in essence is trying to build up his nephew’s confidence and self-worth. He doesn’t want him to think that a description of color be the reason for any distinction or discrimination against him. He says, “Please try to remember that what they believe as well as what they do and cause you to endure, does not testify to your inferiority but to their inhumanity and fear” (10).

What I found interesting was Baldwin’s approach to whites. Instead of “fighting fire with fire” (again, another metaphor!) by differentiating and distinguishing between whites and blacks (as the white people of the time wished to do), instead he chooses to unite them in a sense. Baldwin shows no interest in returning the hostile attitude that the whites have demonstrated towards the blacks. In fact, when referring to the countrymen (specifically those who acted cruelly towards black people), he says “my country and my countrymen” (8). He still demonstrates love and devotion to his country; a sort of willingness to be a part of it. Shortly after, he describes the white people as “innocent and well-meaning people” (8). And when Baldin speaks of having to accept them (white people), he says to do so “with love”, for they are “still trapped in a history which they do not understand” (10), again showing understanding for the position they are in that has led them to be so ignorant.

Given the sensitive history that blacks have endured, I find his words commendable. A letter like this could have had a much different tone and attitude, like anger or hatred (justifiably so). Instead there is a sense of maturity (which must be very difficult for him on his end) in his approach to the problem.