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11 Responses to “James Baldwin Speaks to the Future”
Damn… James Baldwin is profound in every way: his words, his expression, his spoken truths, his naked vulnerablility that he displays… What stood out most to me was his response to the pessimist-optimist question.
“I can’t be a pessimist… because I’m alive. To be a pessimist means that you have agreed that human life is an academic matter. So I’m forced to be an optimist. I’m forced to believe that can survive whatever we must survive.”
But far more profound than the words was the tortuous body language and pain that he visibly had to go through to answer the question. I watched this clip three times to take it all in with the last time only focusing on the non-verbal. As incredible as his eloquence and prose is, it only tells 30% of the story.
2nd Standout:
‘What white people have to do is find it in their own hearts is why is it necessary to find a ni—r in the first place… But if you think I’m a Ni—r, then you need it… The white population has to ask itself… if I’m not the ni—-r here, and you the white people invented him, then you have to find out why — and the future of the country depends on that”
So true. This is the crux of the problem, and his body language is all pessimism — not optimism. Which then goes back to the struggle to not make life academic.
The 3rd standout:
“martin can’t do it alone”… This is pure obama and the dangers of expectations that come with assigning “a messiah”. This will only lead to disappointment. Now that there is the wonderful achievement of Obama being in power, it means that the next step is that the reach of his power be put into realistic perspective.
Standout #4:
What would Baldwin’s response be to obama’s presidency coupled with the prop 8 legislation? I wish that i could hear it.
I’m sorry if I am overstating it, but this is a mesmerizing clip — both for the relevancy of his words and the man himself. There are so few people that wear their complete vulnerability on their sleeve as Baldwin. It seems that such pain is inseparable from such genius. I haven’t read any Baldwin in over 10 years, and this clip in these times makes me want to go get reacquainted.
Thanks for this video. Mesmerizing is the word. I could watch it a thousand times and get something new from it each time.
I had a conversation with a friend last night and I said that for all intents and purposes, the greatest thing that Obama can do for Black people has already been done — that winning the election, in and of itself, is the Supreme Magic Trick, and that the follow-up is secondary.
The work that follows his victory is, of course, most important, but as Baldwin said, and as MODI noted, he cannot do it alone. And there are some serious questions about what he actually wants to do. He has signed on with a number of former Clinton aides and is contemplating bringing Volcker on as the Sec’y of the Treasury. You know how I feel about Volcker and his implications for Obama’s TRUE FACE.
There are a number of ominous signs pointing to business as usual. In fact, I’ve seen precious few to suggest it won’t be more of the same. As such, I believe it is more important than ever for the average citizen to feel that their critical thinking and engagement can make a difference.
Ultimately, it is the condition of the collective that matters most. It is not the ascent to lofty places by the one that proves the merit of the many. We are not (just as Baldwin knew) the niggers of the heart and mind that white folks need. We are a people with worth and dignity — a worth so long standing that Al-Jahiz wrote about it in 9th century Basra, Iraq.
Obama, regardless of the outcome, is to be commended for demonstrating conclusively (and beyond doubt) that purpose, will and resolve carry the day. Of course, $800,000 in seed money from Goldman Sachs is always helpful.
And T3, I do agree that Obama’s greatest work may have already been done, even if he has an incredible presidency… and I just don’t know if it is possible to overstate the meaning of the unified global reaction to his presidency
I’ve been thinking about this ll day, and really since the morning after the election. But i didn’t know where to post it so here is as good a place as any.
As some of you know my 9-to-5 is as a social worker. it’s a hard job ut it’s my job and I love it. Now the trouble is that all day monday through friday (and some saturdays) i am greeted with nothing more than troubled people, people who neglect their children, hit them, toss them down flights of stairs. While i say this not to scare you or make you feel sick i have one thing to say:
While Obama’s victory was great it’s not enough. if we really have a desire to change the world for the better what he did is not enough. We have to tech our children the value of staying in school and getting an education, and condemn out of hand those amongst us who think being smart is a detriment. We have to re-create our communities into places where you can buy fresh fruit to make sure that the truly gifted amongst us are not felled by obesity and easily preventable childhood diseases. Be better. That is what Obama’s campaign taught me to do.
I end this with a story. I have a Croatian family for a client. They try bless their hearts but a lot of the time they just don’t know what to do. And since my croatian is formal and their english is pretty much the same way we end up having to communicate things a lot. but she has always loved being here, as have her daughters, because this country is nothing like the warzone that Kosovo was. That mother does not look at any man and see a potential rapist, any woman and see a potential sntich. It took a lot of work to make that happen. And today she told me, tears streaming out of her big expressive eyes, that she knew now she could be anything she wanted because Barack Obama was president.
Great story, Okori, and that’s why I hope Obama’s TRUE FACE as T3 is one of positive change for this world. I pray this guy actually understands the awesome responsibility he’s been given and the political capital he truly has that no and I mean NO American president has ever had. Obama has let the genie out of the bottle which means he can’t be just like that came before with the only difference being he doesn’t look like what came before.
His supporters and well-wishers have invested too much into this guy for him to only maintain the status quo. You wanted it, Barry, so you better do somethin’ real with it because I’ll say it again the streets is watchin’…HARD.
I consider the claim here that Obama has already achieved a great thing by getting elected, even if his presidency dissapoints, defeatist…..perhaps an unconscious and but accurate response to what we already sense Obama actually is..a man by and for the status quo.
political leadership of established social structures, in any nationality, has never been pivotal for me as arbiter of positive social change. it has happened that such has been positive, but experience teaches that such cannot be a general expectation.
the people will organise in their own social interest, to be sharp and involved and relentless in this persuit, or their interest wil not be met. the people must be ready ultimately, if not immediately….to take over society if necessary to establish their basic social interest as the way society functions.
that ultimately is the answer that ushers in democracry proper, and sets up society to begin to answer the real question of existence at this stage…how does humaniy survive indefinetly in an evolutionary universe!
that to my way of thinking covers all that we face as a species, in the conditions that gave rise to us, encapsulates guidance and responses that contain the drive to survive that is inbuilt and expressed in all we do.
is there an evolutionary path for humanity or are to become extinct?
what is the magnitude of the universe and tht totallity of cause and efect consistent ith thee total potential of the universe at this moment, expnentially expanding even as we speak?
what does this potential contain as positive and helpful to out or continued survival, that could engance our chances…and what is not, deleterious to our health anmd suvival?
and must we not unravel all this in order to know the impact of all we do…indeed must d, in in ordeer to live and suvive… lest effect come back as cause of or demise?
is there instantaneous universe-wide potential for events..that may afedct the entire universe instantaneuos regadless of the location it occurse.
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THESE QUESTION AND MORE ARE ALREADY UPON US…AND THAT WE ARE ALREADY DEALING WITH THEM NOW, ALBEIT IN A MOST UNSOPHISTICATED MANNER, FROM THE POINT OF INTEREST OF THE ORDINARY PEOPLE OF AMERICA AND THE WORLD.
socially the ordinary people appear to be spinning tops in mud enmeshed in antiquated, messaniac political systems we insist on maintaining, to apease this or that absolutely atrocious and bloody elite class, consisting of very small numbers of humans.
maintaining Wall street has nutten at all to do with human survival at this stage..if on the way to here Wall street, may have been of some slight assistance to our progress.
at this point it should nt matter who is president,,,but the ordinary folk must be a part of the process, a basic and dominant part, sharp and interactive with all othet parts, to the most sophistcate level possible on this day.
it is the responsibility of the teachers, the intellectual and oppostion leaders, labour leaders etc., to represent their class interests prorperly, by organisng ordinary people effectively, for just such participation to balance society out
but these sell out to the minority elites, betray their class interest and so betray society and human chances. that is why the elites can run amok all the time, creating chaos in human life, making a pigs breakfast of soicety and human chances.
those are charged with responsibility to lead their classes sell out and set up society for the fall. and the more we advance technologically the greater the dangerous content of the falls… till now, we are faced with total eclipse.
of course Obama cant do it alone…but that point should not even have to arise. it should be second nature that fact and what must be done at all times to ensure that socieety is never at the mercy of one man in representatin of any small elite minorit part of it.
t is time the teachers came out of their ivory towers bought out at at 125 k per anum, to teach and organise the people…while learning from them too.
it is time labour leaders and unions respond to their true responsibilites by leading their workers properly..and not into the abyss of surrender to capital.
that would be socially responsible…that would be the response in integrity that is totally lacking in humnaity at this stage… integrity…humanity that has leant to sell its soul for a mess of pottage… has leant to sell such in the face of the abyss, even if the money cant be spent once consumed by the night.
it is sufficient to point out that the left currently is of no consequences in the political process…in America..anywhere at all.
there are few checks and balances on the elites of the world and we see the results of this.
class is everything! we are dominated by elitist class interests. it is a partial ineterest, a moiority interest that cannot represent the majority inerest.
any minority perspective is bound to lead the world astray, challennge human survival to its core.
for the minority to lead the majority effectively it would no longer be a minority interest…not remain one for long.
and we know that any dominant interest at all will not let go of their domination.
it must be taken away and life set up to progress to the next stage.
Obama as president, as a careerist will follow the dictates of careerism. that means only sops to blac and ordinary interests as such is demanded for his own career advancement.
there is no effective ordinary people movement in the USA and in the world generally. there is no such efective oppostion in the USA that took part in Obamas election and can hold his feet to the political flames
that is what is absolutely necessary in the USA at this time…an effective, powerful, organised representation of the peoles’ interst in the halls of powe… that can make Obama or any president at all….pay, and pay dearly politically, for ignoring it.
and not only presidents, but senators and congressmen…elected officials at all administrative levels…from federal judges all the way to the supremes.
nothing at all must be left totally to the elite to effect…or it will be effected totally in their own image and likeness.
as long as this is not the case we will get appointments from Obama like his chief of staff, designate… that most disgusting and offensive personality Rahm Immanuel..with a father even more disgusting than the son..as he has no difficulty dispalying for all to see, hear and read.
Imagine a blac president…. and the his first appointment is that of the son of an openly racist Jewish father.
sweet isnt?
but that isnt all we will get from Obama without the checks and balances.
we will get the disgusting noise Obama continues to make about Iran!
we will get a draft disguised as national service..which means more wars down the road.
we will much, much more of a negative nature…that we hoped had walked with lil’ Bush and his Cheny sidekick.
the leaders of america have sold out…all of them! the teachers and labour leaders, the civil rights organisations, the Push and Rainbows…the Jacksons and Andrew Youngs, the Vernon Jordans, and this one and that one, the other one…
those who have not been killed have sold out…and the young have been misdirected and supressed.
however it came about we have an America without effective opposition to the status quo. and as a result Lawd have mercy on the human species
Damn… James Baldwin is profound in every way: his words, his expression, his spoken truths, his naked vulnerablility that he displays… What stood out most to me was his response to the pessimist-optimist question.
“I can’t be a pessimist… because I’m alive. To be a pessimist means that you have agreed that human life is an academic matter. So I’m forced to be an optimist. I’m forced to believe that can survive whatever we must survive.”
But far more profound than the words was the tortuous body language and pain that he visibly had to go through to answer the question. I watched this clip three times to take it all in with the last time only focusing on the non-verbal. As incredible as his eloquence and prose is, it only tells 30% of the story.
2nd Standout:
‘What white people have to do is find it in their own hearts is why is it necessary to find a ni—r in the first place… But if you think I’m a Ni—r, then you need it… The white population has to ask itself… if I’m not the ni—-r here, and you the white people invented him, then you have to find out why — and the future of the country depends on that”
So true. This is the crux of the problem, and his body language is all pessimism — not optimism. Which then goes back to the struggle to not make life academic.
The 3rd standout:
“martin can’t do it alone”… This is pure obama and the dangers of expectations that come with assigning “a messiah”. This will only lead to disappointment. Now that there is the wonderful achievement of Obama being in power, it means that the next step is that the reach of his power be put into realistic perspective.
Standout #4:
What would Baldwin’s response be to obama’s presidency coupled with the prop 8 legislation? I wish that i could hear it.
I’m sorry if I am overstating it, but this is a mesmerizing clip — both for the relevancy of his words and the man himself. There are so few people that wear their complete vulnerability on their sleeve as Baldwin. It seems that such pain is inseparable from such genius. I haven’t read any Baldwin in over 10 years, and this clip in these times makes me want to go get reacquainted.
Mizzo:
Thanks for this video. Mesmerizing is the word. I could watch it a thousand times and get something new from it each time.
I had a conversation with a friend last night and I said that for all intents and purposes, the greatest thing that Obama can do for Black people has already been done — that winning the election, in and of itself, is the Supreme Magic Trick, and that the follow-up is secondary.
The work that follows his victory is, of course, most important, but as Baldwin said, and as MODI noted, he cannot do it alone. And there are some serious questions about what he actually wants to do. He has signed on with a number of former Clinton aides and is contemplating bringing Volcker on as the Sec’y of the Treasury. You know how I feel about Volcker and his implications for Obama’s TRUE FACE.
There are a number of ominous signs pointing to business as usual. In fact, I’ve seen precious few to suggest it won’t be more of the same. As such, I believe it is more important than ever for the average citizen to feel that their critical thinking and engagement can make a difference.
Ultimately, it is the condition of the collective that matters most. It is not the ascent to lofty places by the one that proves the merit of the many. We are not (just as Baldwin knew) the niggers of the heart and mind that white folks need. We are a people with worth and dignity — a worth so long standing that Al-Jahiz wrote about it in 9th century Basra, Iraq.
Obama, regardless of the outcome, is to be commended for demonstrating conclusively (and beyond doubt) that purpose, will and resolve carry the day. Of course, $800,000 in seed money from Goldman Sachs is always helpful.
Yes thanks Mizzo.
here is another part on youtube of the same interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhU2iKMEXUQ
And T3, I do agree that Obama’s greatest work may have already been done, even if he has an incredible presidency… and I just don’t know if it is possible to overstate the meaning of the unified global reaction to his presidency
I was going to post that part tomorrow Modi after some reaction. I’ll get it up tomorrow. Tired as Rip Van Winkle’s beard.
I’ve been thinking about this ll day, and really since the morning after the election. But i didn’t know where to post it so here is as good a place as any.
As some of you know my 9-to-5 is as a social worker. it’s a hard job ut it’s my job and I love it. Now the trouble is that all day monday through friday (and some saturdays) i am greeted with nothing more than troubled people, people who neglect their children, hit them, toss them down flights of stairs. While i say this not to scare you or make you feel sick i have one thing to say:
While Obama’s victory was great it’s not enough. if we really have a desire to change the world for the better what he did is not enough. We have to tech our children the value of staying in school and getting an education, and condemn out of hand those amongst us who think being smart is a detriment. We have to re-create our communities into places where you can buy fresh fruit to make sure that the truly gifted amongst us are not felled by obesity and easily preventable childhood diseases. Be better. That is what Obama’s campaign taught me to do.
I end this with a story. I have a Croatian family for a client. They try bless their hearts but a lot of the time they just don’t know what to do. And since my croatian is formal and their english is pretty much the same way we end up having to communicate things a lot. but she has always loved being here, as have her daughters, because this country is nothing like the warzone that Kosovo was. That mother does not look at any man and see a potential rapist, any woman and see a potential sntich. It took a lot of work to make that happen. And today she told me, tears streaming out of her big expressive eyes, that she knew now she could be anything she wanted because Barack Obama was president.
Wow. Okori – thanks for sharing that.
That’s the Magic Trick!
Great story, Okori, and that’s why I hope Obama’s TRUE FACE as T3 is one of positive change for this world. I pray this guy actually understands the awesome responsibility he’s been given and the political capital he truly has that no and I mean NO American president has ever had. Obama has let the genie out of the bottle which means he can’t be just like that came before with the only difference being he doesn’t look like what came before.
His supporters and well-wishers have invested too much into this guy for him to only maintain the status quo. You wanted it, Barry, so you better do somethin’ real with it because I’ll say it again the streets is watchin’…HARD.
I’m waiting. but i want to see what his first post chief-of-staff decision.
yes Okori, thanks for sharing.
HD, I do believe that Obama understands his power… and I’m sure that the weight of that power is monumental…
sounds good to me Miz…
I am not looking to Obama for much at all.
I consider the claim here that Obama has already achieved a great thing by getting elected, even if his presidency dissapoints, defeatist…..perhaps an unconscious and but accurate response to what we already sense Obama actually is..a man by and for the status quo.
political leadership of established social structures, in any nationality, has never been pivotal for me as arbiter of positive social change. it has happened that such has been positive, but experience teaches that such cannot be a general expectation.
the people will organise in their own social interest, to be sharp and involved and relentless in this persuit, or their interest wil not be met. the people must be ready ultimately, if not immediately….to take over society if necessary to establish their basic social interest as the way society functions.
that ultimately is the answer that ushers in democracry proper, and sets up society to begin to answer the real question of existence at this stage…how does humaniy survive indefinetly in an evolutionary universe!
that to my way of thinking covers all that we face as a species, in the conditions that gave rise to us, encapsulates guidance and responses that contain the drive to survive that is inbuilt and expressed in all we do.
is there an evolutionary path for humanity or are to become extinct?
what is the magnitude of the universe and tht totallity of cause and efect consistent ith thee total potential of the universe at this moment, expnentially expanding even as we speak?
what does this potential contain as positive and helpful to out or continued survival, that could engance our chances…and what is not, deleterious to our health anmd suvival?
and must we not unravel all this in order to know the impact of all we do…indeed must d, in in ordeer to live and suvive… lest effect come back as cause of or demise?
is there instantaneous universe-wide potential for events..that may afedct the entire universe instantaneuos regadless of the location it occurse.
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THESE QUESTION AND MORE ARE ALREADY UPON US…AND THAT WE ARE ALREADY DEALING WITH THEM NOW, ALBEIT IN A MOST UNSOPHISTICATED MANNER, FROM THE POINT OF INTEREST OF THE ORDINARY PEOPLE OF AMERICA AND THE WORLD.
socially the ordinary people appear to be spinning tops in mud enmeshed in antiquated, messaniac political systems we insist on maintaining, to apease this or that absolutely atrocious and bloody elite class, consisting of very small numbers of humans.
maintaining Wall street has nutten at all to do with human survival at this stage..if on the way to here Wall street, may have been of some slight assistance to our progress.
at this point it should nt matter who is president,,,but the ordinary folk must be a part of the process, a basic and dominant part, sharp and interactive with all othet parts, to the most sophistcate level possible on this day.
it is the responsibility of the teachers, the intellectual and oppostion leaders, labour leaders etc., to represent their class interests prorperly, by organisng ordinary people effectively, for just such participation to balance society out
but these sell out to the minority elites, betray their class interest and so betray society and human chances. that is why the elites can run amok all the time, creating chaos in human life, making a pigs breakfast of soicety and human chances.
those are charged with responsibility to lead their classes sell out and set up society for the fall. and the more we advance technologically the greater the dangerous content of the falls… till now, we are faced with total eclipse.
of course Obama cant do it alone…but that point should not even have to arise. it should be second nature that fact and what must be done at all times to ensure that socieety is never at the mercy of one man in representatin of any small elite minorit part of it.
t is time the teachers came out of their ivory towers bought out at at 125 k per anum, to teach and organise the people…while learning from them too.
it is time labour leaders and unions respond to their true responsibilites by leading their workers properly..and not into the abyss of surrender to capital.
that would be socially responsible…that would be the response in integrity that is totally lacking in humnaity at this stage… integrity…humanity that has leant to sell its soul for a mess of pottage… has leant to sell such in the face of the abyss, even if the money cant be spent once consumed by the night.
Sorry for the typos above…and all the wind.
it is sufficient to point out that the left currently is of no consequences in the political process…in America..anywhere at all.
there are few checks and balances on the elites of the world and we see the results of this.
class is everything! we are dominated by elitist class interests. it is a partial ineterest, a moiority interest that cannot represent the majority inerest.
any minority perspective is bound to lead the world astray, challennge human survival to its core.
for the minority to lead the majority effectively it would no longer be a minority interest…not remain one for long.
and we know that any dominant interest at all will not let go of their domination.
it must be taken away and life set up to progress to the next stage.
Obama as president, as a careerist will follow the dictates of careerism. that means only sops to blac and ordinary interests as such is demanded for his own career advancement.
there is no effective ordinary people movement in the USA and in the world generally. there is no such efective oppostion in the USA that took part in Obamas election and can hold his feet to the political flames
that is what is absolutely necessary in the USA at this time…an effective, powerful, organised representation of the peoles’ interst in the halls of powe… that can make Obama or any president at all….pay, and pay dearly politically, for ignoring it.
and not only presidents, but senators and congressmen…elected officials at all administrative levels…from federal judges all the way to the supremes.
nothing at all must be left totally to the elite to effect…or it will be effected totally in their own image and likeness.
as long as this is not the case we will get appointments from Obama like his chief of staff, designate… that most disgusting and offensive personality Rahm Immanuel..with a father even more disgusting than the son..as he has no difficulty dispalying for all to see, hear and read.
Imagine a blac president…. and the his first appointment is that of the son of an openly racist Jewish father.
sweet isnt?
but that isnt all we will get from Obama without the checks and balances.
we will get the disgusting noise Obama continues to make about Iran!
we will get a draft disguised as national service..which means more wars down the road.
we will much, much more of a negative nature…that we hoped had walked with lil’ Bush and his Cheny sidekick.
the leaders of america have sold out…all of them! the teachers and labour leaders, the civil rights organisations, the Push and Rainbows…the Jacksons and Andrew Youngs, the Vernon Jordans, and this one and that one, the other one…
those who have not been killed have sold out…and the young have been misdirected and supressed.
however it came about we have an America without effective opposition to the status quo. and as a result Lawd have mercy on the human species