James Baldwin and the Meaning of Whiteness

[BeckyDem]

Posted on Feb 19, 2017


The work of James Baldwin, pictured here in 1969, is as relevant today as in his time. The essayist, novelist, poet and social critic died in 1987. (Allan Warren / Wikimedia Commons)(CC-BY-SA)

By Chris Hedges

Raoul Peck’s “I Am Not Your Negro” is one of the finest documentaries I have ever seen—I would have stayed in the theater in New York to see the film again if the next showing had not been sold out. The newly released film powerfully illustrates, through James Baldwin’s prophetic work, that the insanity now gripping the United States is an inevitable consequence of white Americans’ steadfast failure to confront where they came from, who they are and the lies and myths they use to mask past and present crimes. Baldwin’s only equal as a 20th century essayist is George Orwell. If you have not read Baldwin you probably do not fully understand America. Especially now.

History “is not the past,” the film quotes Baldwin as saying. “History is the present. We carry our history with us. To think otherwise is criminal.”
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/james_baldwin_and_the_meaning_of_whiteness_20170219

[angstlessk]

1. Youtube has his debate with william buckley

[BeckyDem]

3. Thank you!

[shadowmayor]

2. Bravo

Anything about Mr. Baldwin is compelling, important, American, the list goes on and on.

But simply as documentaries go, this is truly one of the most excellent pieces ever put down on film. Riveting, exhausting, sad, and real - the entire audience was wide-eyed, with their hair blown straight back, mouths agape. It is tremendous!!!!

[BeckyDem]

4. Beautifully said, shadowmayor.

[Skittles]

5. I intend to see this documentary

excellent reviews, and it is playing at my local theater

[BeckyDem]

6. Wonderful. I hope more people see it.

[heaven05]

7. thank you

he has always been a powerful speaker...against the myths of white supremacy and lies of white ameriKKKa that have come to fruition NOW!!!!

[BeckyDem]

8. We have to fight back always, but especially now.

Jeff Sessions? Bannon and his crew? This is like a warped time machine in my mind.

[mnhtnbb]

9. My husband saw the documentary this weekend with our youngest son and his partner in New Haven.

He said it was really good.

[BeckyDem]

10. I hope that continues, its an important documentary.