| Description |
With rising tensions surrounding racial inequality in the United States, and the national prominence of the Black Lives Matter Movement, it is hardly surprising that the works of James Baldwin have had a revival in popular culture and literature. Throughout his writings, Baldwin has advocated for Black Americans to play a specific role in redeeming the United States from its history of slavery, racial oppression and violence. This paper will begin by exploring Baldwin's argument that Black Americans must love, guide and engage white Americans, if racism is to be overcome. I will seek to answer the question, why does Baldwin feel that this responsibility can and should be asked of Black Americans? I will then engage Baldwin's conceptions of love and guidance with the writings of those who have both criticized and affirmed them. Audre Lorde, Derrick Bell and Juliette Hooker raise important concerns about the practicality Baldwin's formulations, and whether Baldwin places undue responsibility for overcoming racism on Black shoulders. However, Lawrie Balfour, George Shulman, Sean Kim Butorac and Christopher Lebron effectively defend Baldwin against these arguments. Ultimately, this paper will explore whether Baldwin's formulations of guidance and love offer effective methods for democratic change and will conclude that the Black Lives Matter should consider Baldwin's proposals. |
