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A review by brianlarson
Nothing Personal: An Essay by James Baldwin
5.0
Stunning. This is the first time readers can hold “Nothing Personal” in book medium and simply absorb each sentence without distraction.
Baldwin’s four part essay is one of his most poignant writings. Baldwin explores avarice in modern American society, the want of love in such a society, & the many assaults against the civil rights of Black men and women. Baldwin’s prose is elegiac & deeply filled with meaning. I found myself re-reading sentences just to digest the meaning both within the context of Baldwin’s writing and within present day America. Glaude’s afterword is incredible and, in my opinion, should be credited with the current Baldwin renaissance.
It’s interesting, too, to have read “Nothing Personal” during Pride month. Baldwin discusses the need for stereotypical white America to have its scapegoats in certain subsections of society. In particular, Baldwin’s America nourishes violence and labeling those that threaten to crack the facade of white supremacy “other.” He states, “But, if a society permits one portion of its citizenry to be menaced or destroyed, then, very soon, no one in that society is safe.” Either within the context of the fight for LGBTQ rights or the recent storming of the capitol, Baldwin’s words are hauntingly on point and reflect an America that still hasn’t had its come-uppenance.
What do you think about at 4am? Baldwin is asking and he wants an answer, America.
Baldwin’s four part essay is one of his most poignant writings. Baldwin explores avarice in modern American society, the want of love in such a society, & the many assaults against the civil rights of Black men and women. Baldwin’s prose is elegiac & deeply filled with meaning. I found myself re-reading sentences just to digest the meaning both within the context of Baldwin’s writing and within present day America. Glaude’s afterword is incredible and, in my opinion, should be credited with the current Baldwin renaissance.
It’s interesting, too, to have read “Nothing Personal” during Pride month. Baldwin discusses the need for stereotypical white America to have its scapegoats in certain subsections of society. In particular, Baldwin’s America nourishes violence and labeling those that threaten to crack the facade of white supremacy “other.” He states, “But, if a society permits one portion of its citizenry to be menaced or destroyed, then, very soon, no one in that society is safe.” Either within the context of the fight for LGBTQ rights or the recent storming of the capitol, Baldwin’s words are hauntingly on point and reflect an America that still hasn’t had its come-uppenance.
What do you think about at 4am? Baldwin is asking and he wants an answer, America.