James Baldwin’s essay The Fire Next Time came out during a time in which American racism was reaching a boiling point. Along with providing an account of what it’s like to live as a black male in Harlem in the 1960s, Baldwin’s essay offers two possible resolutions to end racism in America; one is with peace and understanding, while the other is with hatred, fear, and confusion.
Despite growing up in a racist environment, Baldwin’s solution to racism itself is very progressive. Baldwin believes that the only way for peaceful coexistence is through mutual respect and responsibility. He wants white people to start to treat their black counterparts with the same praise and dignity that they give each other. Baldwin declares that white people also need to speak up and take responsibility for their actions. He claims that when it comes to racism, “many of them, indeed, know better, but, as you will discover, people find it difficult to act on what they know“ (9). Baldwin is also not …show more content…
Some of the activists will ultimately abandon all hope at a peaceful resolution and begin to fight hate with hate and fire with fire. Baldwin implies that if racism remains rampant, violent protestors may soon outnumber the peaceful ones and if this happens, then everyone would suffer. His meeting with Elijah is a sign that another option is now on the table and that if he was intrigued enough to visit Elijah despite obvious disagreement, then many more will surely follow in his footsteps. Baldwin wants people to understand that a violent uprising is not out of the question if racism continues to go unchecked. Baldwin’s essay The Fire Next Time sets the stage for action from both white and black people. The decision to change attitudes and live peacefully is presented along with a darker, more sinister alternative. The choice is ultimately up to the
Despite growing up in a racist environment, Baldwin’s solution to racism itself is very progressive. Baldwin believes that the only way for peaceful coexistence is through mutual respect and responsibility. He wants white people to start to treat their black counterparts with the same praise and dignity that they give each other. Baldwin declares that white people also need to speak up and take responsibility for their actions. He claims that when it comes to racism, “many of them, indeed, know better, but, as you will discover, people find it difficult to act on what they know“ (9). Baldwin is also not …show more content…
Some of the activists will ultimately abandon all hope at a peaceful resolution and begin to fight hate with hate and fire with fire. Baldwin implies that if racism remains rampant, violent protestors may soon outnumber the peaceful ones and if this happens, then everyone would suffer. His meeting with Elijah is a sign that another option is now on the table and that if he was intrigued enough to visit Elijah despite obvious disagreement, then many more will surely follow in his footsteps. Baldwin wants people to understand that a violent uprising is not out of the question if racism continues to go unchecked. Baldwin’s essay The Fire Next Time sets the stage for action from both white and black people. The decision to change attitudes and live peacefully is presented along with a darker, more sinister alternative. The choice is ultimately up to the