I found James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time to be filled with emotion, depicting institutionalized and internalized racism at a highly personal level in a letter addressing his nephew. When Baldwin writes “There is no reason for you to try to become like white people…” I immediately think of, especially recent, efforts of the Black community embracing its roots and empowering its members with love and education, and how, for some reason, these efforts seem threatening to the White community. It is not as though the rights of White people are being taken away nor are White people being attacked; people of color are embracing their uniqueness (in contrast to White people and even within the community) and use this uniqueness to motivate and send internalized acceptance because, as Baldwin mentions in the letter, at times, those attacked with racist remarks may come to believe them. This, similarly, reminds me of the term self-proclaimed prophecy in reference to Black youth accepting the legal system and imprisonment. Often times, youth in poor communities feel as though there is no point in studying or setting goals, as they will end up in jail inevitably.

Baldwin addresses the aforementioned, distressed White people: “… the danger [of black men being equal to white men] , in the minds of most white Americans, is the loss of their identity.” Quite frankly, I believe Baldwin’s approach is very soft. Sure, this may appeal to White people in that Baldwin seems understanding, by explaining valid and sound reasons for why these racist attitudes exist; however, appropriate reasons do not excuse nor justify current actions and views. Maybe a loving approach of acceptance and understanding, as Baldwin suggests, may catalyze change. I found this absence of hatred and grudges to be commendable, though I maintain that sometimes it is best to give others the cold, hard truth and push for an attitude change.