By:Kelsea Wilkerson
Throughout the passage “Many Thousands Gone,” James Baldwin presents several different perspectives on the idea of what it truly means to be Black and American. In the essay, Baldwin blatantly explains that the concept of being African-American is not possible due to “our dehumanization of the Negro” (25). The use of “our” is meant to place emphasize on the American society as a whole. Historically, American society has always seen the “Negro” as inferior and unable to match up equally. Baldwin describes the American view of the “Negro” as a “social problem and not a personal or a human problem” (25). Society has become so accustomed to the idea of the Negro male as being a criminal or a thug, similarly the idea of the Negro woman as illiterate and destitute has become common place in American society. These views are often perpetuated by the media’s constant misinterpretation and underrepresentation of Black communities nationwide. When a Black person earns a prestigious position or when they receive accolades, “we are panic-stricken and we ourselves [feel] betrayed” (25). Baldwin believes that as the “stereotypical Black” person image continues to get pounded into the heads of Americans, we find it hard to accept a person who effectively breaks the stereotype of the typical Black person. It is important to understand the Negro’s position in the social arena. The struggle of the Negro to become fully American is far from over, society must find a way to eliminate the stigmas attached with being Black and realize that everyone is indeed created equally.
In “Many Thousands Gone,” James Baldwin is adamant on his views on race in America. He voices his frustrations and anger with the way Americans handle racism. When he says “the battle is elsewhere,” he means that the battle to end racism is not in the public, but it is in the hearts of society (45). In an essay published by the History News Network, author Leonard Steinhorn, writes on Black progress as viewed by Blacks and whites. Today, Blacks are not satisfied with the state of race relations, but whites believe race relations are not perfect, but are better than in the past. (Steinhorn). According to Steinhorn’s essay and observation of society, Baldwin’s view on race is in America is still relevant today. The Black image is one riddled with scars and bruises and the White mind is filled with false images and stereotypes. Race in America is always a taboo subject, but if it continues to be ignored it will continue to spiral out of control. The best way to finally abolish the misinterpretation of the Negro, is to understand the Negro and his struggle to make in a seemingly unwelcoming society.
Kelsea,
ReplyDeleteGreat job! This is a insightful reading of the continued relevance of Baldwin's essay today and includes a great reference (Steinhorn). I think that your mention of the media is a great way of updating Baldwin's claims because mass media in particular tends not to focus on individuals except in their representative/social capacity. It is, in other words, the social arena as it enters into our lives everyday.
Most of the readings we'll work with this semester do not address the media (because it was not as pervasive prior to the mid-twentieth century), but you can definitely detect its distorting purpose in the second book of _Native Son_ when Bigger is a wanted man. Mass media amplifies stereotypes and tendencies already present in the social arena (or at least among the individuals and social classes that own and produce the news).
Very valid points. Thanks for contributing!