What Happened To Jim Carroll's War?

Mr. Carroll is often absent with Jim’s entries. He only appears in a few instances, he is arguing about the political climate of that period. After the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a peace movement began in the United States. Jim’s father called him a creep stating, “Its all some commie who brainwashed us, its them fucking commies, that’s all” (Carroll pg. 126). Jim does not directly address his father but he feels that the war is a scheme that the government invented. In another entry, after Mr. Carroll returns from work, he begins to complain about Jim’s long hair, and the protestors. Mr. Carroll ends his argument in a racial tirade. Jim as usual ignores his father. Although, he does not agree with his father he knows it is pointless to engage in the argument because his father will never see his point of view. Nor, does he really value Jim’s thoughts and opinion on this matter. Mrs. Carroll then attempts to “bait him into political debates” (Carroll pg. 145). Despite this, Jim remains quiet. He …show more content…
160). Although, Jim often uses racist and degrotrogary words to describe other racial groups, he is not a racist. He is simply using the language of his peers. During his visit to Harlem, Jim states that he is glad that the African Americans rioted and smashed the windows of the White store owners. He feels that the merchandise(s) belong in their hands anyway, “I’d like to help my black friends, the only thing I can do is stand aside because that the only way the can get down on it and besides I don’t dig those bullets zinging over my bean, coming from either cop or black man” (Carroll pg. 161). Faced with so many issues and unable to verbalize them directly, Jim Carroll used his diary as his outlet and was very candid and vivid about how he