James Baldwin Essay

Question

Short Essay on Civil Rights in the 1960s

Watch the documentary film on James Baldwin in Module 5 after having read my guidance notes, the textbook

chapter and the essay by Glickman.

After viewing the film, in 3-to-4 pages (double spaced), respond to the following

In the film, Baldwin states, “Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it

is faced.” What were the most important things Baldwin showed about racism in America?

In answering the question, you have a lot of options. You can focus on certain aspects of Baldwin’s thought more

than others, so long as you explain why you have chosen them. For example, you might emphasize his discussion of

the cultural roots of racism (its role in classic Hollywood films, for instance). Or, you might stress his discussion of

the killing of his friends, the Black Freedom leaders Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers (which

was the theme of the book Baldwin intended to write).

There are additional options. Your choices will reflect your judgment of which of his views are most persuasive or

useful. Whichever you choose, explain clearly and give specific examples from the film. You do not need to provide

any formal citations but do use quotation marks if you give an exact quote (and make clear who was speaking).

The essay will be primarily assessed for the clarity of your argument and effective use of evidence.You do not need

to cite or discuss material from the course readings or outside sources, though you may briefly do so if you think it

significantly helps. You do not need to discuss any information about the film that is learned from outside sources,

only things that are shown or stated within the film itself (for example, this essay does not need references to the

critical acclaim the movie has received, or information about the director or narrator, background on Baldwin not

included in the film, etc.).

Use normal sized font (12 pt), double-spacing, correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage. Above all, do your

own work. Any unacknowledged borrowing or copying from other students or anything online is unacceptable.

The essay is worth 20% of your semester grade. When you are ready to submit it, use the Assignment dropbox in

Assessments.

Documentary link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PaAbmRJ9bQ

Or i am not your negro by james baldwin documentary free on youtube.