The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

Introduction

Throughout the history of the United States, communities of all races and religions have been bombarded with activists and modern-day intellectuals expressing their points of view on the plagues of society today. Some of these activists are independent soft-spoken conservatives while others are wild ill-willed extremist trying to press for their cause no matter what harm. James Baldwin served the entire human race by trying to educate both whites and blacks, so that one-day in blacks and whites could live in harmony. Most of Baldwin's work deals with racial and sexual issues in the mid-20th century in the United States. His novels are notable for the personal way in which they explore questions of identity as well as the way in which they mine complex social and psychological pressures related to being black and homosexual well before the social, cultural or political equality of these groups was improved.

Opening sentence

James Baldwin grew up as one of many sons from a poor African American family and was pressed to become a preacher like his father. Throughout his childhood, like most blacks, he suffered much prejudice because of his skin color. However, this only made him stronger. On the day of his father's funeral, he witnessed the great Harlem race riot. This act of violence and racial tension profoundly shaped his views and persona of the relationship between blacks and whites. (Jean-Francois 158)

Thesis statement

James Baldwin diagnoses American society's hatred, and teaches ways to see and think that can move readers in a positive direction. After witnessing the race riot in Harlem, Baldwin comes to the realization that "hatred, which could destroy so much, never failed to destroy the man that hated and this was an immutable law" (67). Baldwin knew that the emotion of hate alone could not sustain a society. Blacks and whites cannot rely on the raw emotion of hate to bring them individual freedoms that they deserve. When one relies on hate as their primary fuel, there are only two choices. The choices, as Baldwin states, are either amputation or gangrene (67).

Discussion

This theory applies in situations such as racial issues. One can either completely separate his or herself from the situation (amputation) or simply suffer through it (gangrene). Earlier in Baldwin's life, he chose the latter route. Baldwin was constantly harassed and faced much racial prejudice because of his skin color. However, later in his life, he began to heal himself and others through his gift of writing. In the issue of racial relations, as Baldwin points out, there is no easy answer. He only knows that hatred and ignorance will destroy society in the end.

Baldwin describes 'fear' to be ignorance, and 'love' as knowledge. He joined the congressional church due to fear. He was afraid to become involved with his friends who began to drink and smoke. To avoid such situations, Baldwin was driven into the church because he 'supposed that God and safety were synonymous.' (16) Timidity blinded him ...