In James Baldwin’s Letter To My Nephew, from the beginning it’s full of emotion and hope for his nephew as well as a sense of desperation that had been faced by past generations of African Americans. The letter to his nephew is one that speaks of the types of racism that he will unfortunately have to face in his life as an African American man in the United States. Both institutionalized and internalized racism are depicted in a highly personal way which is evident when Baldwin says “They have had to believe for many years, and for innumerable reasons, that black men are inferior to white men.” Even though this piece was written many years ago it seems like it’s still relevant now with what is currently happening in the U.S.. In some situations it’s as though people still believe that others are inferior or not good enough because of their color or their background. In this piece he is essentially telling his nephew that racism is alive and well and that others don’t want to see him prosper but he should ignore what is being said about him and do what will be best for him. He tells him not to conform to what white people and others want and expect from African Americans and explains to him all that his family and others have gone through to get to the position that he is in today.

While reading this I was surprised by how such an emotional and powerful message from an uncle to a nephew could encompass so much of what people of color, in particular African Americans face because of their skin color and origin. The piece perfectly captures the desolate outlook older generations of African Americans faced and all of the struggles that they had gone through to give their children and future generations a better life than they have had. The letter gives advice to the nephew while also dispensing bits of family background as well as words of encouragement and strength to help him get through whatever he may face in the future. This piece was truly one that made me think about all of the racism and struggles that people face and how the perception of color and social constructs have caused this to become a constant struggle that people still deal with now.