Letter- "An Open Letter to My Sister, Angela Davis

[Ms. Knarr]

Read the letter here: historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/itcitmbaldwin.html

[rosemariefreschi]

1. The overall meaning of this piece is that our country is divide between the races even though everybody is refusing it. James believes that the whites find comfort in the fact that people are in prison because that’s what gives them safety. By people, I mean blacks. He also thinks that the blacks are falling into their trap by killing each other on the streets for no reason. James contradicts himself later on in the essay. He says that the whites are behind this conspiracy however he also says they’re basically stupid and don’t even know why they choose the leaders that they choose. Lastly, James brings about his fear that a war between the races will be coming. Through this letter James wanted to express his concern for his people and country. I believe it was both irrational and ill-informed.
2. I thought this piece was ridiculous. All the ideas presented made me angry because I find them to be untrue. James was looking at the situations happening from a one sided view, his side. His letter was also confusing to the point where I has to read it three times to fully grasp all the concepts. I believe he might have just been rambling on and not truly thinking about what he was writing.
3. Q1: Do you think that seeing people imprisoned or in chains makes us feel safe?
Q2: Do you think that James was right when saying that white’s didn’t even know what they wanted?
Q3: Do you think a war between the races could have broken out for the reasons stated in the letter?
Q4: Did the white’s really believe that blacks were animals?

[abbyjameson]

1. The overall meaning of the letter was of a man, James, talking about America from his point of view, and how our country was divided. James believed that our country was split between the white people and the black people, and that the black people were falling into their own traps by not speaking out about segregation. James said that the African American community was being silent and thats why they were losing the battle in our country, because no one chose to speak out, they were all silent. The letter spoke about how America was still split in two, and that the fault falls upon the whites for picking terrible leaders, or so it seems that way in James' mind.
2. I agree with Roe 100%. This letter was formed from one person's point of view, not the entire African Americans point of view. James believed no one was speaking up for the blacks, when in fact, in that time period, blacks were speaking out and trying to make a difference. The letter was clearly not well thought out and was very hard to grasp because James jumped all over the place, completely contradicting himself at numerous points throughout the letter.
3. (answer to question 4) In my opinion, I think it depended on where you lived during this time period because the country was still disagreeing over the idea of slavery and segregation. People who lived in the North most likely did not view blacks as animals, but perhaps not as the social standard as whites. However, people in the south probably still perceived blacks as animals because slavery, and owning blacks used to be a big part of the South. People in the South probably viewed blacks as dirt, not necessarily animals but as being worthless.
(my question) If other African Americans had read this letter when it was written what do you think their response would have been?

[clareaker]

The overal meaning of the letter was that a man was writing a letter to is sister in prison about the separation in between the whites and the blacks. James was saying that whites take pride in what they do and are big supporters of the slavery. He was saying that the worst thing the black people can do is remain silent, or else the problem of slavery and segragation will continue.
2. I agree with both Roe and Abby on this one. James' letter was very confusing and hard to follow. Also, the letter was very one sided and oming from only one person. There were many black people trying to stand up and fight for their rights at the time, not just James.
3. To answer Roe's first question, I do not believe that seeing anyone imprisoned or chained makes us feel safe. There is no reason for anyone to find comfort in that and if one person does, that doesn't mean we as a whole do.
Q: What does James mean in the very last line when he says, "if they take you in the morning; they will be coming for us that night." ?

[dougrybczynski]

1. This was a letter sent from a man named James to a woman. Needless to say this was very close-minded because he seemed to forget that during that time, everyone suffered a little bit in their own way. He fails to see someone else's point of view and seems to think that he should be comfortable as anyone else in the upper class. This is only a long writing because he can't seem to get over the fact that it's a harsh world sometimes and writing hate-letters isn't fixing a thing.

2. I disliked this letter. He seemed to have no sense of direction as previously mentioned by other students. He very easily could have been a preacher, rambling on about his point of view and wanting you to accept it because it is his. That is not only unfair but just as unjust as what he says the American system is.

3. (Clare's Question) I think he means that if we let them take one of our rights, for example, the government will come and take the rest of our rights too.

[dougrybczynski]

I forgot a question: Do you believe some of his ideas were common for the 1970's?

[mattstyczynski]

1. I agree with Rosemarie's interpretation of the piece the most. After reading the letter I had gotten a sense of hostility from James Baldwin. The meaning behind the letter is to express his feelings of where America stood in the 1970's, especially from an African American point of view. What he saw was seeming to be no progression in African American life. He talked about how they were still killing each other and how they were considered to be no more valuable than animals. Baldwin also speaks about how African Americans do not speak up for themselves, connecting the theory back with a mental image of African Americans in chains.

2. After reading this poem I highly opposed what James Baldwin was saying. I felt that he was attacking and blaming society and God for the misfortunes of African Americans. I had got the overall feeling of hostility and resentment from Baldwin in this letter. It seemed as though he was venting his emotions rather illogically rather than talking with composure. All in all I did not really enjoy the piece that much and probably would not read it again.

3. (answering question 1) I do think that when we see people in chains or imprisoned it makes us feel safe. I think as a society when we see that something or someone is held to confinement there is peace of mind knowing that that certain thing can not harm us. I do believe however that if that person or thing is oppressed for the wrong reason it makes us feel uneasy and even compassionate towards them. (my question) where do you think James Baldwin lived? and how do you think it influenced his view on African American life in his letter?

[caileighidell]

1. I also agree with Roe's interpretation of this piece. At this point in time the country has been divided primarily by race. Baldwin writes to his sister to stay strong by wearing her skin proud and encourages her not to be ashamed of who she is. In this piece Baldwin also emphasizes the importance of drawing attention to the issue of racism in the country as he refuses to give in to the idea that he is worthless simply because of the color of his skin.

2. I found this piece inspirational in how far Baldwin's character has come since the beginning of his life to where he is at the time of this piece. After having to live surrounded by a racist attitude his entire life, Baldwin was not originally comfortable in his own skin. As a reader I was able to see the dramatic transformation that Baldwin was able to experience in his lifetime. I felt proud for this change in Baldwin and the pride that he grew for both himself and his people.

3.(answering Matt's question) I got the feeling from Baldwin's attitude in his writing that he lived as a slave in a white man's home with his entire family. It seems as though he experienced constant cruelty and abuse throughout his entire childhood and it was not until he grew older when he realized it was not his own fault that he was being abused. I believe that when Baldwin finally learned to understand that a fear of difference was behind the attacks he accepted himself and felt the overwhelming urge to end this cycle of violence.

4.(my question) *Where exactly is Baldwin in relation to his sister at the time of writing this letter?

[morganclyne]

1. The overall meaning of this letter is to show the separation between whites and African Americans. Baldwin, was writing to his sister going off on a rant about how white people mistreat the blacks and there is total separation between the two groups. He is disgusted in the way to the two groups interact and felt that things would never change. I believe that he saw only bad coming about this such as the African American people never going far in life due to the separation and also a war between the two groups in the future.

2.In reaction to the piece, i did not enjoy it. I felt that Baldwin kept repeating himself along with restating new ideas to prove a point on a topic already presented. I felt that the letter was contradicting at points and there was truly no reasoning behind it besides being angry. I also didn't agree with what he was saying and was actually offended by most of it.

3.Answering Caileigh's question, Baldwin was in jail while his sister was not when he was writing her the letter. Finally, my question would be Did Baldwin have something against one white person that made him feel this way or did he having something against all white people and he truly felt this angered by them ?

[paulabatoon]

1. I also agree with Roe's interpretation of the piece. This letter was written at the peak of the civil rights movement, where people were beginning to see how wrong segregation really was. The author says in this piece that it doesn't matter if one is black or white - we're all Americans. He also says that the blacks should be proud of who they are, and that they shouldn't wallow around in self-pity.

2. I didn't really like this poem. It looks like Baldwin wrote this letter to vent his anger. It seems like he's blaming all of the whites for segregation, when that is not entirely true. This letter gives a feeling of hostility and hatred towards, well, everyone.

3. (In response to Morgan's question) I think Baldwin had something against all white people, because in the letter, he keeps referring to the whites as a whole. He blames the whites for segregation.
My question: Do you think Baldwin wrote this as an outlet for his anger? Or is he trying to empower the blacks?

[hugozazzarini]

1. I agree with both Roe and Abby for the most part. I believe that James thinks that America is still divided between whites and blacks and recounts on how he hoped for the whites to be horrified by slavery, but instead they seem to revel and take refuge in slavery. He also states throughout how the blacks are killing each other off and that the whites are making them hate each other by planting false ideas and lies in their heads. Lastly, James states that he sees a war between the blacks and whites approaching, but refers to it as a civil war instead of a race war.
2. I had mixed feelings toward this letter. While I believe like the others that he was being venting his anger, contradictory, and irrational by blaming the whites for segregation, I can't completely dislike him for this. James grew up hating himself and his family for being black as this was the racist attitude that he encountered in his environment and was also what happened at the time he wrote this letter. Therefore, while I don't agree with most of his beliefs, I can understand where he is coming from.
3. (answering Matt's question) Judging by his attitude towards the whites, I think that James Baldwin was a southerner, where during that time period segregation and hostility and violence towards blacks was a great issue in the South.
My question: Why do you think that James is in prison?

[colleenpoling]

1. In this letter, James wrote of his view on America and the segregation upon the blacks and the whites. He believes that whites and blacks were separated but the blacks needed to stand up for themselves. I agree with Roe that he believes that the blacks were almost falling for the "traps" and having inter violence within their own race. I also think he was stereotyping about who of the blacks would ever have money such as boxers, and who of the whites would, which is false because although it might be harder for others to earn money, every individual is capable to an extent.

2.Personally, i am not a fan of this letter. Like others previously said he was just ranting and venting and constanly contradicting himself. I don't think he really had a strong point he wanted to have come across to the readers. As a reader i believe he was very ignorant. I was offended by some of the things he said, and he insulted white people, bu also whether he meant it or not he insulted blacks too.

3. (response to Paula's question) I believe this letter was just written to express his anger in a nonviolent way. Any one who red this i think who agree he needed way more information to make himself up to truly be trying to empower the blacks.
My Question:
1. This letter is full of such anger, do you believe there is one incident he is writing about, that truly effected him to have these strong views?

[abigaildolan]

1) This piece seems to be more about one mans view and disapproval of how things are done. I am not sure that I agree with what some of you have said that it is necessarily about America, though. Yes he does mention the American people and its government but he seems to be speaking of people as a whole. I got the impression that he was not happy with how people were living black or white, and that he felt we could be doing more to change the way the world is working not just America. I say this because he brings up events such as the Holocaust and Vietnam things that didn't just effect people in America but people world wide. He even said that he had been to Europe, Germany specifically. He talks of specific people and quite strongly. I definitely agree that he is calling for change, an end to segregation, but not just in America.

2) I admit this piece was sort of confusing but I enjoyed having to think about it. I did not enjoy the Author's attitude. The man was certainly very passionate about what he preached and felt the need to prove his point using many famous and notable examples. I did not like how he seemed to be putting down many people, and quite angrily. Also I feel as though he was trying to impress people with his knowledge as he put a lot of needless words and facts into the letter as though to confuse people. He even made a point to show that he was well rounded bringing up math, politics, history, current events, personal experiences, and religion. It was very much like he was trying to prove he was important and that people should listen to him. I don't think I like that. The letter just felt very arrogant to me, and also I got the impression he was forcing his ideals on me.

3) Now answering Morgan's question. I think the Author had a vendetta against whites and more specifically the white government leaders. Perhaps not for anything the personally did but because he was in the midst of a war, civil or otherwise. He seemed to believe that he was owed right, which he was, and which were not given to him. At the same time I think he was, perhaps, the sort of educated African American man who had gone to school and was well off and felt that he should be listened to. He then, perhaps, chose the Civil Rights cause not because he was persecuted himself but because he wanted to lead and it was something he could fight for aggressively with many to support him. This is however just my opinion and could very well be wrong.

My Question - Often throughout this letter the Author capitalizes the word 'Black' despite the fact that it really shouldn't be capitalized most of the time. Do you think that the Author believes 'Blacks', being African American people are actually better than other races? This in mind the author only capitalizes the word white once when he says 'White lives' in the twelfth paragraph. Why do you think that is?

[mattteryek]

1. I agree with Roe's interpretation. James begins his letter discussing how the races are divided in America and that the whites are "in the glory of their chains more than ever." He states most whites are pleased that blacks are imprisoned but at the same time fault the blacks for acting violently against themselves. He was proving that the whites were winning because the blacks couldn't find peace among themselves. In a way it seems that James finds fault for Americas racial tensions on both sides. However, what he fears most is the possibility that a war between the races will occur. James letter to me was very well written and incorporated a solution to the problem at the time.

2. I also liked James letter because it incorporated a solution to the racial tensions during the 1970s. James stated that in order to fight back, the blacks needed to stop fighting with themselves. He was very effective in providing a non-violent resolution, and at the same time prevent a future war of the races.

3. (answering roe's 1) Seeing people in chains or imprisoned would make me feel safe only if that person was a criminal. In Baldwins case, it was his sister who was imprisoned because of her race, and for that reason I do not believe it makes anyone safer. Imprisonment should not be determined by racial qualities, but by a persons actions.

My question: Do you think that a persons race today influences possible imprisonment?

[veronicapuzio]

I agree with Roe's interpretation. I believe that the overall meaning of the piece is the obvious racial segregation between blacks and whites. It says that the American triumph was to make black people despise themselves, which shows the racism and discrimination whites have against blacks. But it wasn't only racism between the two races, blacks were killing each other on the streets because that is what they "thought" they should do. However, the segregation is not only between races, but also it is a segregation between "brothers". I believe this was written to present an issue going on in the country, and to make people aware of what was and is happening.

2. I disliked this piece because it was very wordy and hard to understand. Also, I believe the letter was very opinionated. The author presented information in what he believed was true, rather than what was actually true. The letter was written on opinion rather than facts. It was also very ridiculous in the light he presented whites in. Also, some of the information in the piece was repetitive and contradicting in some points.

3. Answering Matt's question: I do believe that a person's race influences possible imprisonment because in today's world racism is still an ongoing issue. For example, there was a television program where a white man and a black man were in a store. The store manager told the cashier to watch the the colored man closely as opposed to the white man because the black man would be prone to stealing something. So, people would more likely imprison a black man than a white man due to the color of his skin. This is a morally wrong prevalent issue that still exists.
My (Q):Why does James mention that the war between brothers is a civil war rather than a racial war?