Being is the essence out of which all things evolve. This blog is an ongoing conversation of being in various facets and areas of life, including the personal and the professional from which relationships of all kinds are formed and teams built in all communities, virtual or real, at home, at work, in politics and at play.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Being James Baldwin
"I love America more than any other country in this world and exactly for this reason I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."
Catherine - I think I've read everything Baldwin has ever written. Your husband has great taste in literature and essays. Baldwin is bold and brilliant.
Democracy is a marvelous thing and Mr Baldwin captured the essence of it in his words! I will have to read some of his work for sure...new knowledge is a good thing.
Going back to school later in life gave me a greater appreciation for learning. Either I was not or can not recall being exposed to authors like James Baldwin in Arkansas 20 years ago.
But now that I have been I feel cheated. I read his words like they were living. As if they were saying what I dared not but once I read them I knew I wasn't alone.
I was blessed to have teachers in Detroit who exposed us to the likes of James Baldwin, W.E.B. Dubois, Zora Neale Hurston, Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes, et al in middle school and high school. I also had quite the literary Mom who bought books of poetry and history and encyclopedias with her last dime. I am grateful for this.
I love how you describe Baldwin's words. They are indeed alive. Regarding self-expression, "brave" has always been my middle name. :-)
"I love America more than any other country in this world and exactly for this reason I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually." 
8 comments:
He knew how to say things with confidence and vigor. Great photo too.
Yes indeed, Kelly! I have loved the man my entire life.
My hubby just loves James Baldwin, I can see why...
Catherine - I think I've read everything Baldwin has ever written. Your husband has great taste in literature and essays. Baldwin is bold and brilliant.
Judith,
Democracy is a marvelous thing and Mr Baldwin captured the essence of it in his words! I will have to read some of his work for sure...new knowledge is a good thing.
Dave - I have already said I love the man, eh? He's awesome!
Regarding Democracy, I see it as process, not merely a system.
Democracy requires opposition to strengthen it.
Jude, I always enjoy stopping by your blog.
Going back to school later in life gave me a greater appreciation for learning. Either I was not or can not recall being exposed to authors like James Baldwin in Arkansas 20 years ago.
But now that I have been I feel cheated. I read his words like they were living. As if they were saying what I dared not but once I read them I knew I wasn't alone.
Hey Pam - I always like it when you pass through.
I was blessed to have teachers in Detroit who exposed us to the likes of James Baldwin, W.E.B. Dubois, Zora Neale Hurston, Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes, et al in middle school and high school. I also had quite the literary Mom who bought books of poetry and history and encyclopedias with her last dime. I am grateful for this.
I love how you describe Baldwin's words. They are indeed alive. Regarding self-expression, "brave" has always been my middle name. :-)
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