Question

what does this quote mean in your own words:“You cannot lynch me and keep me in ghettos without becoming something monstrous yourselves. And, furthermore, you give me a terrifying advantage. You never had to look at me. I had to look at you. I know more about you than you know about me. Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

Answer 1

This quote is a declaration of the frustrations of racism in America and how normalized it had become. It talks about how nothing is going to stop black people from being black and that no matter what they do, they will still exist.

• This extract is taken from a speech given by American author, James Baldwin.  The writer was known for his amazing words on the topics of race and race in America and how it contributes to the various social injustices in society.
• The first part of the quote talks about the various laws and devices that have been sanctioned by white leaders and how it has affected black people and created distrust with the people whom they are supposed to feel protected.
• The idea of creating ghettos and preventing black people from rising in the ranks does not feel justified in any sense of the word and only showcases a sense of hatred and supremacy which terrifies Baldwin.
• Overall, James Baldwin does not believe that racism is an attribute that someone needs to face in order to rise above. It does not shape character but instead destroys it. And he wishes that he never had to experience it ever again.

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