It is dangerous to be an American Negro male. America has never wanted its Negroes to be men, and does not, generally, treat them as men. It treats them as mascots, pets, or things.
James A. BaldwinRead
Writing is a political instrument.
Interpretation
Writing serves as a means of expressing and influencing political ideas and social change.
James A. Baldwin's quote highlights the power of writing as a tool for political expression and activism. It underscores that through the written word, individuals can articulate their thoughts, challenge societal norms, and inspire change in their communities, reflecting the profound connection between literature and social justice.
In practice
During a lecture on the influence of literature in social movements.
It is dangerous to be an American Negro male. America has never wanted its Negroes to be men, and does not, generally, treat them as men. It treats them as mascots, pets, or things.
The white man discovered the Cross by way of the Bible, but the black man discovered the Bible by way of the Cross.
Those kids aren't dumb. But the people who run these schools want to make sure they don't get smart: they are really teaching the kids to be slaves.
Experience, which destroys innocence, also leads one back to it.
The reason people think it's important to be white is that they think it's important not to be black.
The trick is to love somebody.... If you love one person, you see everybody else differently.
The sanctity of law can be maintained only so long as it is the expression of the will of the people.
The word βslaveryβ and βrightβ are contradictory, they cancel each other out. Whether as between one man and another, or between one man and a whole people, it would always be absurd to say: "I hereby make a covenant with you which is wholly at your expense and wholly to my advantage; I will respect it so long as I please and you shall respect it as long as I wish.
After the war, Germany fully confessed to all its dirty tricks. It's necessary to is draw a line under the past, even if people did something evil. Until we do, wounds won't heal.
I am for those means which will give the greatest good to the greatest number.
The problem in the world is the oppression of man by man; it this which threatens existence.
Swift has sailed into his rest; Savage indignation there Cannot lacerate his breast Imitate him if you dare, World-besotted traveler; he Served human liberty.
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