Optimistic Activism

What stood out to me in my reading of James Baldwin's texts was his unparalleled optimism. Hold on, let me explain. I'm aware Baldwin, like all activist writers, is unhappy. However, he writes not with the motive to make vast, sweeping incriminations or spread hate. He writes to inspire change, as this blog is called, "Be the Change." This is most exemplified in the line, " It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have. " Baldwin is clearly upset, using terms lie ferocious enemy should not be taken lightly. However, he blames ignorance. He does not immediately assume that the enemy is naturally evil, greedy, or cruel. He finds them uneducated, and hopeful that through his text he will expand their knowledge and views in to spreading justice, not tearing it down. I find this unbelievably respectable in a world where so many activists are rash and upset with the world around them.

Daphne Mir