Discrimination In A Talk To Teachers By James Baldwin

Throughout history there has been discrimination to those who are different. It has been the culprit behind many organized and unorganized hate crimes. Just as there are many people that feel the need to judge and put others down, there are others willing to fight for the rights of those that can’t defend themselves. Sadly this is not just a thing of the past. I can remember how growing up I was discriminated and looked down upon for speaking English with a Cuban accent and how my teachers at the time had no idea of how to handle the situation. My past experiences allow me to be able to relate or comment on Baldwin’s views in his speech.

In the speech “A Talk to Teachers”, James Baldwin, an influential figure in American literature of the …show more content…
The daily acts of discrimination that African American must face daily only serve to add fuel to an already burning fire. Baldwin states that the African American’s that do not feel accepted and protected by the law and culture of the United States, “live by their wits and really long to see the day when the entire structure comes down.” It is becoming increasingly common to see news reports about riots, normal citizens taking matters into their own hands. You can see clear evidence of this on the news. Everyday more and more people are tempted to result to violent measure to have their voices heard, like those who participated in the Ferguson riots.

Baldwin present a weak case for his argument that this country is menaced by a lack of vison. He attempts to create a biblical allusion, by briefly stating that “where there is no vision the people will perish,” but does not really clearly explain how. Every day on the news you hear, read and view reports of either horrendous acts of violence or defiance. What this country is really menaced by is a lack of action. We see, hear and talk about the current situation, but when it’s time for action, suddenly it is not in anyone’s hands to make any kind of