Inequality has sadly been part of our culture for centuries. Even today, our freedom and equality is limited. In “Letter to my Nephew”, James Baldwin fills this letter with emotions and life lessons. Baldwin wanted to make his nephew, James, aware of the reality his whole family had to gone through over the years. His grandfather in particularly , lived with the believe of what white people saw him as “a negro”(7). Refusing to see another family member fail and fall into this idea, Baldwin suggests a different and better life for James. Becoming a “strong, tough and philosophical” (8) man, would give him value to make himself worthy in the eyes of those who only see the color of his skin. Baldwin mentions that the idea of the life he is supposed to have (in the eyes of  white americans) should not make him live by it, he should not feel inferior to anybody, because he is smart and capable of being who he choses to be. Baldwin describes the white Americans to be afraid of losing their identity if they get involved with African Americans, without realizing the narrowness and unfairness they are creating.

James Baldwin’s letter to his nephew, also shows his acceptance towards the white americans, even after the treatment they offer. He says with love everything is possible. With love from your close family, anybody could over come a loveless world. They were not at fault of growing in Harlem, thats what destiny had for them, but that should not scare or limit them. They have to over come these obstacles in order to be accepted, matter fact, Baldwin mentions that the white will never accept them, but them, as the bigger person, should accept the white and love them. He uses the word “integration in order to make America what America must become”.

Through out the years African Americans have been accepted, however, there is always a few segments that still live with that resentment because of different situations still occurring.