This powerful essay by James Baldwin is, unfortunately, just as true and just as relevant in 1963 as it is today. We have come quite a long way in terms of legislature and in respect for one another, but we are sadly far from equality; both in society and in many of our hearts. In this essay there is a clear separation being made of two societies, white America and black America. It describes two races, two peoples, living in the same country, in the same states, same cities, under completely different conditions. This notion is not lost on us today. James instructs his nephew, his namesake, to not be a product of what white society wants him to be. It is a heartfelt survival guide, not mean for his physical well being, but for this survival of his spirit. Young James needs to break the mold that was crafted for him before he was even born. White America is in denial of the realities that the blacks were facing during this time; calling their struggle an ‘exaggeration’. It is scary how reminiscent this is of issues today. James portrays that whites do not understand the true degree of their crimes against humanity. He calls them “the innocent” in a sarcastic tone. This essay in my opinion is less painted with hatred for white people than it is with love for his nephew. There is a great deal of pathos being used in this essay, it greatly appeals to your emotions. As his nephew was born, they were instantly worried, ‘trembling’, of what his life might hold for him, as a black man. Yet they were filled with joy at their baby boy. James says that the whites had a loss of identity after slavery was abolished, the more prominent blacks became in society the more afraid whites became. The cultural demographic was changing and this made people terrified. James powerfully states that they are celebrating 100 years of freedom ‘100 years too soon’.