As a biracial woman I found myself getting immersed in the church, wearing typically feminine (western/white feminine) clothes, making my hair looser in appearance and revolving my whole personality around being a devout Christian when I was in the darkest part of my life. I was in denial about my sexuality, I was also dealing with self hatred about my appearance and also felt purposeless and without community. In the church they make you feel chosen, special and wanted as long as you submit and become a shell of who you are and a imitation of the church which reminds me now of when I used to straighten my hair and code-switch at school. Church is where self hatred grows and denial of yourself flourishes. And then you project your self hate on non-christians or people you consider to be living in sin. Thankfully I realised I was just suppressing myself to assimilate and I left.
I loved this way of doing a review video, especially with the quotes you took from the text that you also made available to read along on the screen!! The Fire Next Time is a fantastic book and you’re making me want to reread it. Also I’d recommend Malcom X’s autobiography if you’d like more of an insight into what was going on inside the Nation of Islam in the time Baldwin is talking about. Also it’s an just an amazing book hahah
This was absolutely fantastic. That point about how racism isn’t a black issue, it’s a white issue is so true - I think about these older folks I know (just to stereotype for a minute on my end) who rant about how everything is so “politically correct now” and how “sensitive everyone is.” Er, no, it’s just that your being asked to look at the very real power dynamics and history of abuse and it makes you uncomfortable so you lash out. The idea that “just treat everyone the same and racism will go away” is flawed...I mean yeah it’s a start but that’s not solving racism lol that’s just trying to shove your hands over your ears and ignore the past.
If you are interested in Elijah Muhammed and Islam in a black context - I’d recommend reading Malcom X’s autobiography. I’ve just finished it and I feel it conveys much of the ideas you’ve mentioned - Christianity as a tool for oppression, and racial struggles of the 60s and now. Really enjoyed your thoughts about these topics and this book.
I just watched your vlog and saw you reading it actually! I've been meaning to read it but I just took one look at the size of it and put it off, but I've just ordered myself a copy so that's a step in the right direction.
you prolly dont care but does anyone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.
@Malik Gordon I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I just finished this book-my first Baldwin read! This is the best review of it I’ve seen. So cool to support another black women who’s an avid reader like myself. Hope to see more from you! Side note: as others have suggested, if you’d like to learn more about the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X’s autobiography is ideal.
I think I can reasonably confirm my claim that you are acting and speaking in a self-determined manner. Meaning, rather than quoting and following the words of another, for example, James Baldwin, you speak your mind based on your own moral compass. James Baldwin, in writing as well as interviews I've seen on TV and TH-cam, has always struck me as a person who understands that human life is an infinite game, not a finite game. Also he strikes me as a person who deeply understands the human condition and that it requires a sort of "mutual aid society" mentality in order to evolve towards its ideal. The human condition is in that respect, I think, a non-zero sum game as well. Notice I can't love another and know another unless I know and love myself. An internal struggle with one's state of being comes before, necessarily comes before any actions of improvement. Our moral compass must be set toward loving and knowing, (the inner context first, I would argue), both inner and outer contexts. You tell the truth, in my opinion, Diana, and it is also my opinion that telling such truth is subversive and radical and controversial, gloriously so. Thank you so much for speaking your mind.
Incredibly written book. So introspective and so deeply personal. He’s so honest about what he wants to see in society. It’s not agit prop or anything. It’s straight up an intelligent psychological analysis of race relations through the lens of a brilliant activist.
Great analysis. My second Baldwin book and definitely not my last! He left me a lot to think about but might need a break from the heavy themes he explored. Incredible book though.
I just finished the book yesterday, library book, I will buy my own copy. The thing about the church. I don't know where you are from but in the United States especially the South Christianity is a part of the identity and culture of the area. Even with the knowledge of its past people still need to belong to something they feel represents them.
I am totally with you on the double sidedness of Christianity. It became seriously difficult for me during the 2020 election, after seeing the current administration's views that are so obvious in the Black Lives Matter movement and all of the people that attend my church and continue to get behind the hate and division. How can this be what Jesus would have wanted or advocated for?
Just because someone calls themselves Christian doesn't make them such. The Church lives inside one. When the devil wants your attention he pretends to align himself with God. "Many will call themselves Christian, but God will call them liars.
You got so much out of, as you said, such a slim book but obviously one that is packed with ideas. I’m reading Richard Wright’s Black Boy at the moment and I don’t know if you’ve already read it, but some of the ideas you were talking about such as white people keeping black people down for their own sense of identity and position is mirrored in this book amongst a whole host of other ideas and experiences that are primarily really sad.
Ah, that sounds like a fantastic book, I haven't read it but I'll add it to my TBR. I think that's such a powerful way to look at it because it stops black people from blaming themselves and believing what they're told about themselves and it can do a little in aleviating some of the pain and the self hate that can come from that kind of treatment.
Not at all. I need to read the book again been over 20 years and I remember it being heavy and difficult to understand. As for Christianity, I understand that it is something that was given to us because we'd lost everything...but I don't believe it's a European religion to give. So much of history (people, culture, religion, etc.) has been white washed. The idea that we should love people who have committed such heinous crimes because facing reality will be hard on them...I don't know how I feel about that one...well, I do but I won't say it here. Just hearing how religion was used violently but we are suppose to be forgiving and loving just resonates so much. I'm rambling for sure now but this will definitely be a video I'll refer back to and share with others. Thank you
I think I remain Christian because as someone who has family members who studied the bible and as someone who grew up in a house where questions were allowed to be asked, and if you had questions, you weren’t condemned, I am able to call out the BS and Racism within the church and look to hold those figures accountable, but I totally understand why people are not Christians today. The hypocrisy is astonishing and the complicity in Racist norms and actions is very disheartening. I totally relate to your point of view of religion and Christianity as a whole.
I really liked the point you made about racism not being a black issue - it's very true and it is something that is overlooked a lot. I know what you mean about black people in the Christian church and the way it has justified violence and mistreatment time and time again... but the thing is that Christianity has changed with the times. But some churches and branches haven't - and therefore it remains the same and can preach hateful stuff. But then some branches have turned away from those practices and those actions. From my personal experience with Christianity what I believe it preaches is love. The difficulty with that is that everyone has different ideas of what love means. Some people think it means supporting others, showing others you love them, but for some people it is about 'knowing what is best for said person and doing anything to make that happen for said person because you love them' which I don't think is right. As much as Christianity can be about God and the religious element, it also has some abstract ideas which can be interpreted in all different ways. And there comes the Christianity trouble... But the debate is too large for a single comment >.>
Olivia's Catastrophe Everyone expects black people have all the answers and we don’t and it isn’t our problem to solve. I grew up in the church so I know it can be really loving and supportive but religion has also been twisted so much to suit people’s agendas. You’re right this discussion is waaay to big for one comment!
Well black people saw the relation of the church to them when they see the persecution of Jesus. It was actually a strength, that they drew upon. It wasn't perfect but it brought them peace. Baldwin said blacks and whites have to both if they can struggle together like a wife and husband have to both work together and on themselves. Baldwin warned about succumbing to violence as awhole. This book is probably his best or perhaps Americans best.
Very interesting video. Would like to point out one thing, tho; in Islam, the concept of God is such that Allah has no humanly attributes because They aren't human at all, They are Almighty God. I'd feel much the same way as you if God was human, that why should I worship someone who looks like a white man? In fact, why would I worship someone who looks like me either? Because then it'd be like if we're both humans than what gives them dominion over me? In worshipping Allah, I know They have infinite Godly power over me in front of which my humanly power is nothing.
The overt stereotyping, disparagement, and attempted subjugation of whites and Christians in the name of present day equality is bizarre to me. I do not associate with this way of thinking, and find it ignorant, counterproductive, counterintuitive, and dangerous. This does not affect meaningful change. As we’ve witnessed.
Jamie Moeser I’m speaking from my experiences. I was raised in the church, my family is Christian and I also grew up in Christian schools. I always invite others to challenge my views because they’re just that, my opinions.
As a biracial woman I found myself getting immersed in the church, wearing typically feminine (western/white feminine) clothes, making my hair looser in appearance and revolving my whole personality around being a devout Christian when I was in the darkest part of my life. I was in denial about my sexuality, I was also dealing with self hatred about my appearance and also felt purposeless and without community. In the church they make you feel chosen, special and wanted as long as you submit and become a shell of who you are and a imitation of the church which reminds me now of when I used to straighten my hair and code-switch at school. Church is where self hatred grows and denial of yourself flourishes. And then you project your self hate on non-christians or people you consider to be living in sin. Thankfully I realised I was just suppressing myself to assimilate and I left.
I loved this way of doing a review video, especially with the quotes you took from the text that you also made available to read along on the screen!! The Fire Next Time is a fantastic book and you’re making me want to reread it. Also I’d recommend Malcom X’s autobiography if you’d like more of an insight into what was going on inside the Nation of Islam in the time Baldwin is talking about. Also it’s an just an amazing book hahah
Nevermind, I just looked at the other comments and saw that people have recommended this book to you already and that you’ve already bought it hahah
FredeReads Thank you ! And it’s okay, you’ve just reminded me that I need to start reading it haha!
😉😍😘
I enjoyed your perspective.. Thank you
This was absolutely fantastic. That point about how racism isn’t a black issue, it’s a white issue is so true - I think about these older folks I know (just to stereotype for a minute on my end) who rant about how everything is so “politically correct now” and how “sensitive everyone is.” Er, no, it’s just that your being asked to look at the very real power dynamics and history of abuse and it makes you uncomfortable so you lash out. The idea that “just treat everyone the same and racism will go away” is flawed...I mean yeah it’s a start but that’s not solving racism lol that’s just trying to shove your hands over your ears and ignore the past.
If you are interested in Elijah Muhammed and Islam in a black context - I’d recommend reading Malcom X’s autobiography. I’ve just finished it and I feel it conveys much of the ideas you’ve mentioned - Christianity as a tool for oppression, and racial struggles of the 60s and now. Really enjoyed your thoughts about these topics and this book.
I just watched your vlog and saw you reading it actually! I've been meaning to read it but I just took one look at the size of it and put it off, but I've just ordered myself a copy so that's a step in the right direction.
you prolly dont care but does anyone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account?
I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.
@Elliot Ramon Instablaster :)
@Malik Gordon I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I just finished this book-my first Baldwin read! This is the best review of it I’ve seen. So cool to support another black women who’s an avid reader like myself. Hope to see more from you!
Side note: as others have suggested, if you’d like to learn more about the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X’s autobiography is ideal.
Yay, I'm glad! It ended up turning more into a rant than a review haha. Thanks for watching!
And it's currently sitting on my bookshelf!
@@dianaincolour8414 I second her comment. It was cool to come across your page. Glad you'r making these types of videos.
I think I can reasonably confirm my claim that you are acting and speaking in a self-determined manner. Meaning, rather than quoting and following the words of another, for example, James Baldwin, you speak your mind based on your own moral compass. James Baldwin, in writing as well as interviews I've seen on TV and TH-cam, has always struck me as a person who understands that human life is an infinite game, not a finite game. Also he strikes me as a person who deeply understands the human condition and that it requires a sort of "mutual aid society" mentality in order to evolve towards its ideal. The human condition is in that respect, I think, a non-zero sum game as well. Notice I can't love another and know another unless I know and love myself. An internal struggle with one's state of being comes before, necessarily comes before any actions of improvement. Our moral compass must be set toward loving and knowing, (the inner context first, I would argue), both inner and outer contexts. You tell the truth, in my opinion, Diana, and it is also my opinion that telling such truth is subversive and radical and controversial, gloriously so. Thank you so much for speaking your mind.
Same. I wish I had access to Baldwin's books 30 years ago! He was a brilliant and emotionally intelligent man.
Excellent perspective. You succinctly broke it down and hammered the nail head
Thank you for this video, I enjoyed it very much.
Excellent insight into the work of Baldwin and racism......Thank you.
This was a great review.... Can you explore your ideas about the Black God concept and do you think it works.
Another Country, read by James Baldwin is available on Utube.
Incredibly written book. So introspective and so deeply personal. He’s so honest about what he wants to see in society. It’s not agit prop or anything. It’s straight up an intelligent psychological analysis of race relations through the lens of a brilliant activist.
Great analysis. My second Baldwin book and definitely not my last! He left me a lot to think about but might need a break from the heavy themes he explored. Incredible book though.
Wow!
Beautiful!
feel like the fire next time and malcom x's biography should be mandatory reading in grade school.
I just finished the book yesterday, library book, I will buy my own copy. The thing about the church. I don't know where you are from but in the United States especially the South Christianity is a part of the identity and culture of the area. Even with the knowledge of its past people still need to belong to something they feel represents them.
Finished weeks ago. 5/5 book
Nice review, I re-read and get new things everytime, enough time has passed that we don't need to teach whites not to be racist!💚
This was really amazing! Thank you!
I am totally with you on the double sidedness of Christianity. It became seriously difficult for me during the 2020 election, after seeing the current administration's views that are so obvious in the Black Lives Matter movement and all of the people that attend my church and continue to get behind the hate and division. How can this be what Jesus would have wanted or advocated for?
Just because someone calls themselves Christian doesn't make them such. The Church lives inside one. When the devil wants your attention he pretends to align himself with God. "Many will call themselves Christian, but God will call them liars.
You got so much out of, as you said, such a slim book but obviously one that is packed with ideas. I’m reading Richard Wright’s Black Boy at the moment and I don’t know if you’ve already read it, but some of the ideas you were talking about such as white people keeping black people down for their own sense of identity and position is mirrored in this book amongst a whole host of other ideas and experiences that are primarily really sad.
Ah, that sounds like a fantastic book, I haven't read it but I'll add it to my TBR. I think that's such a powerful way to look at it because it stops black people from blaming themselves and believing what they're told about themselves and it can do a little in aleviating some of the pain and the self hate that can come from that kind of treatment.
Excellent review on a book and writer that remains so relevant and applicable even today (unfortunately).
I had to come back and watch this again.
Ah yay, I was worried it was just a lot of rambling
Not at all. I need to read the book again been over 20 years and I remember it being heavy and difficult to understand. As for Christianity, I understand that it is something that was given to us because we'd lost everything...but I don't believe it's a European religion to give. So much of history (people, culture, religion, etc.) has been white washed. The idea that we should love people who have committed such heinous crimes because facing reality will be hard on them...I don't know how I feel about that one...well, I do but I won't say it here. Just hearing how religion was used violently but we are suppose to be forgiving and loving just resonates so much. I'm rambling for sure now but this will definitely be a video I'll refer back to and share with others. Thank you
I think I remain Christian because as someone who has family members who studied the bible and as someone who grew up in a house where questions were allowed to be asked, and if you had questions, you weren’t condemned, I am able to call out the BS and Racism within the church and look to hold those figures accountable, but I totally understand why people are not Christians today. The hypocrisy is astonishing and the complicity in Racist norms and actions is very disheartening. I totally relate to your point of view of religion and Christianity as a whole.
You can you use anything for bad and everything for good
I really liked the point you made about racism not being a black issue - it's very true and it is something that is overlooked a lot.
I know what you mean about black people in the Christian church and the way it has justified violence and mistreatment time and time again... but the thing is that Christianity has changed with the times. But some churches and branches haven't - and therefore it remains the same and can preach hateful stuff. But then some branches have turned away from those practices and those actions.
From my personal experience with Christianity what I believe it preaches is love. The difficulty with that is that everyone has different ideas of what love means. Some people think it means supporting others, showing others you love them, but for some people it is about 'knowing what is best for said person and doing anything to make that happen for said person because you love them' which I don't think is right. As much as Christianity can be about God and the religious element, it also has some abstract ideas which can be interpreted in all different ways. And there comes the Christianity trouble...
But the debate is too large for a single comment >.>
Olivia's Catastrophe Everyone expects black people have all the answers and we don’t and it isn’t our problem to solve.
I grew up in the church so I know it can be really loving and supportive but religion has also been twisted so much to suit people’s agendas. You’re right this discussion is waaay to big for one comment!
Olivia's Catastrophe racism flows in and between every race in every nation.
This has been true for as long as humans could speak.
Nice to see a review of this book as its next up on my list. Thanks.
Well black people saw the relation of the church to them when they see the persecution of Jesus. It was actually a strength, that they drew upon. It wasn't perfect but it brought them peace. Baldwin said blacks and whites have to both if they can struggle together like a wife and husband have to both work together and on themselves. Baldwin warned about succumbing to violence as awhole. This book is probably his best or perhaps Americans best.
Brutal And heartbreaking.
💯❤
Awesome video. Subscribed.
Very interesting video. Would like to point out one thing, tho; in Islam, the concept of God is such that Allah has no humanly attributes because They aren't human at all, They are Almighty God. I'd feel much the same way as you if God was human, that why should I worship someone who looks like a white man? In fact, why would I worship someone who looks like me either? Because then it'd be like if we're both humans than what gives them dominion over me? In worshipping Allah, I know They have infinite Godly power over me in front of which my humanly power is nothing.
The overt stereotyping, disparagement, and attempted subjugation of whites and Christians in the name of present day equality is bizarre to me. I do not associate with this way of thinking, and find it ignorant, counterproductive, counterintuitive, and dangerous. This does not affect meaningful change. As we’ve witnessed.
Jamie Moeser I’m speaking from my experiences. I was raised in the church, my family is Christian and I also grew up in Christian schools. I always invite others to challenge my views because they’re just that, my opinions.
Wow, you are spouting nonsense.