Land of the Free?

America is known as the land of the free. While this may sound like a cliché, we like to believe that our nation is perfect in every way, founded on the basis of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for each and every individual, as stated the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, those who believe that this is entirely true are somewhat delusional. Minority groups in our country have struggled with their freedom since the country was declared independent in 1776. Author James Baldwin focuses on one specific group in his writing: African Americans. In his book, The Price of the Ticket, he brilliantly provides insight on African Americans’ struggle against racial discrimination in the United States.

James Baldwin faced a great deal of adversity in his life. Everywhere in America, he was forced to deal with racism because of his skin color. It was difficult for him to be taken seriously as a writer. He writes, “I left America because I doubted my ability to survive the fury of the color problem here. (Sometimes I still do.) I wanted to prevent myself from becoming merely a Negro; or, even, merely a Negro writer.” (“The Discovery of What it Means to be an American” 171). He decided that he needed to pursue his writing in France; a country that was more tolerant towards African Americans.

Baldwin’s writing shows his opposition to this racism. White people make assumptions about African Americans based on the way they talk. He writes, “To open your mouth in English is (if I may use black English) to ‘put your business in the street.’ You have confessed your parents, your youth, your school, your salary, your self esteem, and, alas, your future.” (“If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What is?” 650). He wri...

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...uite a bit since then; our country is now led by an African American, which is something that Baldwin probably never dreamed would actually happen. On the other hand, maybe those who believe that African Americans have finally achieved equality are merely ignorant. A great deal of racism still happens in our country, and for that matter, our world, every single day. It is possible, that no matter how hard we try, Baldwin’s vision will never be fulfilled.

Works Cited:

Baldwin, James. “The Price of the Ticket. James Baldwin. New York, NY: St.Martin’s/ Marek, 1985.

“The Discovery of What it Means to be an American.” 171-76.

“If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What is?” 649-52.

“The American Dream and the American Negro.” 403-08.

“White Racism or World Community.” 435- 42.

“Words of a Native Son.” 395-402.

“Notes of a Native Son.” 127-146.