Being black himself, Ta-Nehisi Coates recognized the hardships of life as a man of color. He knew that he would always be guilty even if he was the victim and that safety would never be guaranteed. Coates believed that being black in Baltimore, “was to be naked before the elements of the world,” (Coates 17). However, being black was all he had. It was the only thing he knew wouldn’t be ripped away from him. “Dimly perceiving the great barrier between the world and [himself],” Coates realized that America was white while watching the fair skinned boys play (65). He understood that life wouldn’t as easy or bestowing as it would for someone who wasn’t constantly defined by their race. Coates was learning to overcome this struggle, or even learning to live with it.
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Coates reveals that his son is named after Samori Touré, a black man who fought the French for the right to own his body. Similar to the Dream, Coates capitalizes the Struggle. By emphasizing the word, Coates indicates that it is distinct from previous strifes. Coates explains that this struggle was a battle “for the right to own his black body” (Coates 68). He understood that it was not uncommon that a person of color would lose his life fighting to gain something that white people were given, just as Touré did while in French captivity. Coates signified that himself as well as his son were joined by other fighting for the same cause when he uses “our”. Despite being supported by many fighting for their own black bodies, “the object of [their] struggle, as is so often true, escapes [their] grasp” (68). Coates was born and raised in the Struggle. He knew what it felt like to have to work hard for something other people were just given. Coates understood that he wouldn’t be able to protect his son from this harsh reality, so he tried his best to prepare him for
Coates reveals that his son is named after Samori Touré, a black man who fought the French for the right to own his body. Similar to the Dream, Coates capitalizes the Struggle. By emphasizing the word, Coates indicates that it is distinct from previous strifes. Coates explains that this struggle was a battle “for the right to own his black body” (Coates 68). He understood that it was not uncommon that a person of color would lose his life fighting to gain something that white people were given, just as Touré did while in French captivity. Coates signified that himself as well as his son were joined by other fighting for the same cause when he uses “our”. Despite being supported by many fighting for their own black bodies, “the object of [their] struggle, as is so often true, escapes [their] grasp” (68). Coates was born and raised in the Struggle. He knew what it felt like to have to work hard for something other people were just given. Coates understood that he wouldn’t be able to protect his son from this harsh reality, so he tried his best to prepare him for