Word: baldwinism
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Because of the need for forthright discussion of the problems that concern so much of James Baldwin's writing. I would appreciate the opportunity to to Paul Cowan's rejoinder to my letter in the CRIMSON of December...
...Cowan is correct in saying that he and I view Baldwin's terms for defining Negro's situation as a threat to White Americans, but this seems as far as agreement goes between us on this matter. As regards the nature and meaning of the threat of Baldwin's arguments. I think we differ somewhat...
...Baldwin, of course, is affected directly and constantly by the racial problem in the United States whereas Wilson had enough status and money to survive the depression without great loss. To insure his own survival as well as the survival of his entire community and country, Baldwin obviously feels, he must explain what he has seen to the satisfaction of most of his readers...
...great is the cost? Wilson, at least, was setting forth his analysis of books and of a current economic situation, observations that can conceivably be translated into political terms. Baldwin is attempting to use his novelist's perception of human relations as a basis for social change; obviously a more difficult task...
...temptation to become a propagandist must seem overwhelming to Baldwin, especially since few people can write so articulately as he about the complications of race. But it would be a shame to see his are compromised to a political necessity...