From Austin Andries

James Baldwin- Notes of a Native Son
Thoughts by Austin Andries

James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son is an intriguing combination of criticism, pride, and opinion. Baldwin’s strong voice permeates this collection of essays in a way that can be very off-putting at times. In his analysis of popular works by black artists and writers, Baldwin has a tendency to speak bluntly and is occasionally demeaning towards the classic works of the African-American canon. Nevertheless, his powerful opinions and passion towards the black image is extremely apparent to the reader and he makes use of it quite often. For example, the concern of the African-American identity is a theme that Baldwin focuses heavily on, and at times his arguments are valid and poignant. Simultaneously, he has a tendency to articulate very harshly against any form of stereotype or fictional creation. The debate here is a strange one as of course any group of people would be strongly adverse to stereotype. What I don’t believe Baldwin takes into consideration is the fact that every group is stereotyped: Jews, whites, Latino, blacks, Chinese, etc. It seems as if Baldwin is arguing that blacks should be above this stereotype and that it is disgusting what the image of the African-American has become. He lashes out against some of the most important African-American literature (Native Son, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin) calling them, “badly written and wildly improbable.” The question of improbability is in this case unnecessary as both works are pieces of fiction and fiction is called such because it is improbable. As for making judgments against their styles, Baldwin is of course welcome to publish his opinion, but he should also think about the fact that these texts have lasted the test of time in the American canon because of their subjects, themes, and styles. Overall, I feel that if Baldwin has a desire to reform the African-American image, he should first examine his voice and how he speaks against other work. If the only concept of the African-American that whites have is that of Aunt Jemima in the kitchen, then there is a necessity to educate them otherwise. Baldwin’s verbose rants against said topics may not be the best starting place. The most successful way to have groups assimilate is to find common ground, not point out the differences between them. In order for different nationalities and cultures to see the similarities in others, one cannot stand out more than another in a negative light.