Cavett: “That’s impressive, I don’t understand the last sentence” If only people were able to admit this and say it more. It’s the fundamental of trying to open your mind and understand someone else
Some people don't get the context of this conversation. Hardly anyone on television back then would have had James Baldwin on in the first place. Dick Cavett was coming from a very, very good POV. He gave Baldwin a forum where people in the public who might not have ever heard him were exposed to his brilliance and principles and righteous anger. Cavett was probably framing some of his questions based on what he thought might elicit answers that would get through to the audience. He appreciated James Baldwin and was sincerely and respectfully trying to open up dialogue that would serve as a lesson for white Americans.
- I am heartened that we are seriously searching for answers here on TH-cam. It is easier for me to accept James Baldwin’s erudite remarks than essentially the same message from angry social activists today. It may be that Baldwin governed his passion for Cavett’s largely white, late night audience.
yes! . . . what if more of us could admit we need more clarity, if more of us could make room for actually hearing something new, something that challenges us a bit even. What if we were more concerned with understanding than being understood . . . . Radical change would have to occur.
@@RobertaPeck how many times have you heard the phrase "oh, she must have been asking for it?" more times than should be said in any society it's not usually put in those words. sometimes it "why was she out so late?" "why was she alone in that neighborhood?" "how much had she been drinking?" it's a way of excusing horrible actions and unfortunately too many women say these words as well as men because of our conditioning. it's no different in the black community. rather than looking at how 400 years of enslavement and being put down with force means that many many excuses have been made for why black people still suffer there are always those how say "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" while also electing politicians who do their best to cut off black people's metaphorical legs.
@@RobertaPeck That Baldwin recognizes that the Oppressors wants him to be stupid, and go along with the lies, to deny what he clearly sees and hears FOR HIMSELF. Nice try, but he wasn't about to do any of that. People need to read his writings.
It is so rare for the TV hosts to tell to the guests sincerely "i don't get this point", and to go in more deep conversation. My deep respect to brilliant James Baldwin and Dick Cavett, who showed how true listening on media could look like.
Dick Cavett looks so uncomfortable with what Mr. Baldwin is saying. But has enough intestinal fortitude to ask for clarification. He was expecting a denouncing of the violent rhetoric and instead got an explanation why it was happening.
@@gillsmoke Agreed. I personally don't expect people to carry guilt of sins they didn't commit. Although some wishful thinking keeps us from admitting some really hard to swallow truths. Or we may start imagining that things are magically getting better. In this video, the host becomes increasingly shook as the interview goes on. That effect can't be observed if the person listening to what Baldwin says ignores completely. Even though racial rhetoric is age old, listening it directly from a well educated wise black man and internalising it even partially can make the listener introspect.
G D Yes, much of it is willful ignorance. And this willful ignorance brings comfort because it is disturbing to witness that your privilege comes with the cost of destroying other people’s lives
You blithering half wits acting like any of the questions were illegitimate considering his rhetoric is truly the most mainstream thing running rampant today.
@Jim Hope Hi Jim. I think, at the time, Mr. Baldwin meant it in a broader way. Like, the police were there to keep them in line, under control as a whole, in order to protect what white people value. To keep their despair contained in their black neighborhoods and out of white neighborhoods. The police system wasn't set up to protect black people, it was set up to protect white people. The mentality of that system continues to this day...
@@MrAndMrsAlohaFriday - you profoundly get it! Trying to educate the Jim Hopes of the world is wasted words. Jim Hope is clueless by making such a statement is so naive and/or ignorant. He can only imagine what happens if you are black and you call the police to protect your property . . . . . HA! If he ever did it, he'll not do it a second time for sure.
You are so right - very important moment in this interview. The direct relevance to attitudes today is astounding. Cavett, who's about as open-minded as you can get on TV, was completely flabbergasted by that line but today, it makes perfect sense.
When James Baldwin said that I was thinking; "the people of the BLM movement would throw his ass out on the street for even thinking such things". Of course most people in the BLM movement are white liberals.
James Baldwin was a great mind, his words were a gift to this world A more proficient writer than a speaker. His speech is unintelligible in key points here
@@MechaJutaro Intelligent conversation is often deemed incomprehensible by those not intelligent enough to understand it. This fact is evinced by Dick Cavett's lack of understanding. So, to your point, perhaps the conversation needed to be brought down to the level of the listener. However, that is a very difficult task to accomplish when trying to represent the intellect of, not just yourself, but, an entire race of people.
White people also continues to dismiss this truth, as if all Black people were just "confused" about reality or had a "bad day". It's a dizzying and repetitive gaslighting.
Why everyone be so mad at white people? 🤣 hilarious I never hear anyone talk about what Arabs did to black Africans, no one dare says it.... it's crazy the Arabs conquered Africa stripped their entire religion and sold black Africans to white people, it's all wrong but we need to get passed that and make our people better we won't do that with complaints but with understanding the truth
@@steventhauriaux195 did Arabs did bad to Africans in USA or in Africa? It's same as saying sure Earth is warming but have you witnessed how hot Venus is LOL.
@@steventhauriaux195 two wrongs don't make a right! Everytime the issue of slavery comes up, white folks do like you and reflect it on another race. Stay focused.
“ history is written by the winners” this is HOW the dominant culture( white) keeps ALL Americans ignorant of the truth of black genius. Baldwin is one of the first to speak truth to power. Just look at Cavett’s face. This is the FIRST time he has ever even heard this! ( by the way, I am NOT a person of color)
James Baldwin was probably one of the greatest leaders we had and without even proclaiming to be a leader. His brilliance and deep honestly were leadership in itself. He was such an incredible man. Much respect to Mr. Baldwin. Imagine if such a person had a leadership role in this nation, what kind of nation we would have been.
@@Woodsarasas opposed to this very insightful line for the ages you’ve given us? Baldwin is the great writer here. And I mean this in the most traditional sense, he is a part of the great Western tradition of higher learning and the arts, a writer whose many works are a respected and very widely taught part of the modernist and post-modernist canon. You can say that “they” (or we) are “just spouting random words” out, but I would remind you that it isn’t our responsibility to rival Baldwin in his uniquely capable articulation, or try (and inevitably, fail) to match him in eloquence. The man was a great mind, and a compelling public figure. That he was not, if indeed that is your position, is a very fringe and reactionary point of view.
As you watch this interview, remember that Cavett was asking questions as a stand-in for a mostly white, middle-class audience that was, on average, less educated and sophisticated than himself. Thus he had to act like he understood less than he did. This was not a specialty audience like one for the "Daily Show" or the Thom Hartmann radio show. It was a mass TV audience that had only three networks to choose from. He had to be, to some extent, the "translator" of Baldwin's ideas to them, even as his own mind was being blown by Baldwin's brilliant clarity (as we see it now, with the advantage of 52 years of hindsight). Damn, do we need James Baldwin now! Spread his insights to anyone who's willing to listen and learn (and even those who aren't).
Cavett’s formal education taught him nothing at all about the subjects Baldwin raised. Do you think Cavett took courses on police brutality at Yale? The point is that a highly educated white man can graduate with honors from the most prestigious universities in the world and still know virtually nothing about the black experience.
To my knowledge, everything we built ourselves they systematically destroyed- literally. I'm researching why Harlem was able to thrive. Bc every other township we created was destroyed, our people were massacred, and the land was stolen. 😢
@@devo196047 Baldwin's entire point was that eloquence isn't needed. His eloquence, and the idea of eloquence to you is fundamentally based in what white culture quantifies as being such. To ask for eloquence or else not listen is an example of racism, and certainly white supremacy. To not listen to the very same points but conveyed in a non-conventionally-white form of eloquence is to fail to understand Baldwin. You should not admire him for his way with words, unless you are analyzing his poetry, but the substance of his words, his ideas. In whatever form they be.
"Perhaps I don't want to become like Ronald Reagan, or like the president of General Motors. Perhaps I have another sense of life., which in fact my situation here has forced me to trust. And perhaps I know more about you and your institutions than you know about me. Perhaps I have a judgement on them. Perhaps I don't want what you think I want. And there's nothing that you can give me. Perhaps there's something I can give you." Spoken with such feeling, sincerity and empowerment. I'm sure there are billions of people who feel the same way, whatever the colour of their skin may be. I'm Caucasian, but this resonates so much to me. We're not going to be driven and coerced by these deeply dehumanizing and destructive systems anymore!
So well said! I'm white, as well, but I've always had such deep respect and appreciation for James Baldwin's words. He was just the realest and most uncompromising human being to ever breathe. Not only did he understand the anatomy of the white American racist to perfection, but he offered truths about humanity itself that still shake me to my core every time I hear/read them. So much so that one is actually a profile picture of James Baldwin that I created myself. It says; “The victim who is able to articulate the situation of the victim has ceased to be a victim: he or she has become a threat.” I made a number of them during Black History Month a few years ago to share on my own personal Facebook page, primarily to make his words accessible to friends and family who may otherwise just overlook them. I feel like he's one of the most important figures in our country's history to study. Everything he said is as relevant today as it was back then... Some even more so. There will never be a time where his words won't hold true.
"We're not going to be driven and coerced by these deeply dehumanizing and destructive systems anymore!" Indeed. This racism against white people particularly has to stop. It's important that people understand that is okay to be white.
@@euphoricatheist6694 Some would call me crazy to write to you because you probably won't take what I'm going to say seriously, but I'm writing in the hopes that there's a bit of humanity in you and anyone else who might identify with you. People can change, and it's never too late. I know all this is hard and confusing. I know it challenges your identity and makes you fearful and defensive. But if you make yourself vulnerable and open, and just TRY, you can begin a different journey. It's okay to afraid, it's okay to reevaluate what you've always believed or held dear. It's courageous to change. So, here goes. It IS okay to be white. It is NOT okay to use our white privilege to hurt others or deprive them of their constitutional rights as Americans. It is NOT okay to make being white all you stand for. Why? Because it's not healthy for you. You need to count more than just being born as an achievement. You had nothing to do with being born white - wrapping yourself in that does nothing substantial. You should be able to look at your life and feel proud of yourself for being kind and caring to ALL human beings, to have sacrificed something you wanted for someone else, to have done a good deed without being asked, and to have done all these things for those you don't even know. THAT is what fills you with REAL pride and achievement. So, it's okay to be white. It's okay to wrong, too. I am 50+ and I've had to remove a lot of brainwashing to find what I really believe in. Not what has been instilled in me by others throughout my early years. Finding the courage to face being wrong, take responsibility for it and start down a new path is really, really hard. When you conquer that, you'll find what makes you really proud of being YOU. And, no one is really white, by the way. No one. If you're lucky enough to live to be 100, I hope you'll be able to look back at your life and feel proud of something real. Best wishes to you. The Mrs.
Dick Cavett was comfortable asking the questions... but so uncomfortable with the truths that were coming back his way. Props to him though, he didnt back away.
As Brando said during his appearance, Cavett tries to hold honest intellectual conversations while still appealing to the masses, the network and does yeoman duty to that end.
@Nipun Sethi yeah for real - he didn't even make an appearance, there's gotta be another 10' at least right? maybe there'll be another addition in the coming future?
I am glad to see so many young people here who found James Baldwin because of this interview. He wrote alot of books and said many things that could have been written yesterday. Go and find out for yourself guys.
Might have been true then but they're not protecting anything now, There's a reason why people meet the police and everyone seems to be ignoring it . . .
@@JungleJeffarnold you're ignoring the most important distinction to the question and want to know why we cant generate your answer? The question is (paraphrased) why do BLACK people face different policing than white people? Did we just watch a video of James Baldwin just wondering over and over why police even "meet people." Do police have that much trouble "meeting people" that they need to pull over black people for frivolous reasons just to get introduced around or something?
That isn't a mic drop at all. Why are you not asking questions like "Aren't they there to protect the wealthy". There is a poor black person and then there are black celebrities. Are they putting any $$$ back into the black community? It is the poor against the wealthy. Ask LeBron James what happens if he calls the police. They come right away.
Something about Mr. Cavett's demeanor while talking to Mr. Baldwin tells me he is really open to all kinds of intellectual discourse. This leads me to believe that he has good judgement and a genuine interest in difficult conversations.
As a brother I stand in complete solidarity with Palestine we share a common enemy that looks the same but goes by a different name James Baldwin would know that.
Dick Cavett is an eternal kindred spirit. I have the upmost respect for him for interviewing amazing people like this. This is an important part of human history. I came here after watching Malcolm X interviews.
Instead of disparaging Cavett, remember that he gave Baldwin a platform over and over. Cavett featured Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, etc. gave them the forum for the definitive interviews they made. What we have of these national treasures is largely due to Cavett making sure they were given a forum, and he made sure they had time to express their ideas. Imagine not having these clips on TH-cam.
Incredible conversation, cavett and Baldwin are extremely intelligent individuals and its very interesting to hear them discuss such complex topics. Baldwin said some things that resonate greatly with me and you can see even cavett was having a hard time keeping up (although I'm sure he agreed with Baldwin's statements). The topic is still relevant today and I wish everyone would see this interview and educate themselves on what a real discussion is.
I like how Cavett was open to the discussion as well and opened the conversation. He listened and asked questions. This was 1969 and we're still here today because people don't have the same patience and listening skills as Cavett.
Only White people who benefit from white supremacy have a hard time tracking 👣 Baldwin and Black people who have been so conditioned by white supremacy that they can't think straight...other than that, Baldwin laid it out plain and simple
@@pcprinciple3774 -- James Baldwin is as "vague and ambiguous" as Donald Trump is a Rhodes Scholar. He's probably the single-most direct intellectual of the last hundred years in this country. Just because you can't hear past the muffling with your head so far up your own a$$ that you're wearing kidneys as earmuffs doesn't mean the rest of us have that same problem.
"I'm not talking about individual policemen, I'm talking about the structure which this people work in" with this sentence James Baldwin perfectly described what systemic racism is. 👏👏👏
@@seang3019 most definitely today, Systemic racism still exists. If it didnt.. we wouldnt STILL be having the same conversations on racism, inequality, police brutality like in 1969
@Jesse Ironside that raises a question i have; do you feel as if since an higher ranked more authoritative position holding individual gives out a racist order to those who are subjective to follow him no matter their own moral discontents of being tasked with such arbitrary missions is systematic or still individual?
You have to really appreciate the media for this. The fact that we are able to hear this man speak is a blessing 🙌 It is so hard to listen him and not cry
I see Conan and Stephen trying to do the same thing. To listen... Not to talk... Ask a question and then listen. Cavett was way ahead of his time. Allowing himself to make mistakes. To learn. As Kamau Bell asked Conan. Some folks remember what happened to them 2000 years ago and still try to stay aware and alert- don't take anything for granted. The black story in America is just 400 years old. Thank you for posting. This is powerful.
Cavett was (and probably still is a liberal racist)...it's people like him who offered racism breeding ground from the very beginning...Baldwin on the other hand, is the one who was ahead of his time...so much so, that throughout this interview he had to explain things that most black people know by 3rd or 4th grade, to Cavett like he was talking to a remedial student.
Watch the Cavett interview, some years later, with Eddie Murphy. Dick tries to slip the word "ni***r" in there with a kind of casualness that denotes his being 'above racism' and a very young Eddie lets him stew in the misstep. Quite good.
@@calmnrelaxed agreed, hes a typical liberal racist. To this day we cant trust liberals. Stephen Colbert is the voice of the "liberal democratic" status quo. Same status quo that sees black men disproportionately killed by the police, drugs flooded into poor neighborhoods, continuation of indian genocide, draining the third world of their resources etc.
The gentleman is right, if you really know your history, the real history, his right. 400 plus years of being treated like crap, is enough for anyone to be a little bitter.
@Zack-xz1ph That's an inaccurate statement, most black people who have not accepted the second-class citizen training and brainwashing feel EXACTLY this way.
James Baldwin is one of several thinkers who helped me as a White man understand what systemic racism is. He helped me commit to unlearning attitudes and perceptions I was brought up with, and I will always be grateful to him for starting me on that journey.
@philmole as a BLacK Male I would love to have a conversation with you and I sincerely commend you for writing and acknowledging your learned behaviors. It would be an honor if we could converse over this. Planting the seeds so this will come to fruition. Your Brother in Spirit
@@raylawrence9573 Appreciate the kind words. In all honesty I'd forgotten about this comment and while I still entirely support the main sentiment of it I cringed a little at the wording I used then and have edited the comment to better reflect the way I'd put it today. The larger point remains that I have an immense respect for James Baldwin and he's been a very important part of my becoming a better and more aware person.
James Baldwin was one of the most brilliant, eloquent, intelligent Americans there ever was, among all races, genders, and ethnicities. A genuine gift to humanity.
This guy should have been a lawyer..he gets across his argument non-aggressively, but still packs the punch same way. he has taught me a lot about controlling my anger about injustices and expressing it in a non-judgemental way
Regardless, if you like CNN or FOX, no current host allows their guest to speak this much. Cavett, listened, respectful, polite and ask very good questions during a time when our country was at a tipping point. Great job.
I love how Dick Cavett brings up the idea that black people were prospering back then just because we were in the lime light in hollyhood. Yet its only been 4 years since the civil rights act passed back then.
It's hard to believe. My uncle said when he was young, he and a friend walked into a bar and the bar owner said, "We don't allow Mexicans in here." "My uncle then told them they were headed off to Vietnam." The bar owner made an exception.
*A gifted statesman with a truly eloquent and incredible mind by any standard.* Who could blame him if he were bitter, but I don't get that impression from him. His words should be a part of our education. It is our loss that it is not already.
James Baldwin’s intellect and candor was a gift to humanity- one which we ignored while we had him, and one which we’re still not quite ready to receive today.
James Baldwin was right, being "integrated" is NOT the same as being included. Baldwin was breathing fire in this interview. I got the distinct impression that DC viewed JB more of a provocateur than someone expressing both personal & historical racial grievances. Cavett, the racist apologist was very uncomfortable doing this interview & but also was way out of his league.
You are right about Cavett but I have to hand it to him, he did invite guests that spoke their mind like the Mohammed Ali interview which was tense until Norman Mailer defused it. That was raw, honest TV back then. No BS.
You believe DC was a racist apologist. I believe he was living, growing, and learning during every interview. He was the original Johnny Carson. I don't think Dick had a racist bone in his body. Remember what was happening during all the decades he interviewed people. I believe he interviewed people of all races and showed them respect. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'd never thought of him in those terms. James Baldwin was a very intellectual deep thinker and he gave a great interview here. As you said, he spit fire :D
@@FreakyStyleytobby It's demanding if you can't follow Baldwin's thoughts because you're so enshrined in your own privileged viewpoint as a rich, white man. Baldwin is brilliant of course, but Cavett is claiming Baldwin is obtuse and overstating his points because he disagrees with Baldwin.
religion also keeps the poor from living life on the streets, and devolving into robbery and chaos. The people who are most critical of religion, are people rich enough to live without it.
@@judeavision8807 Then why do Norway, Denmark and Sweden have some of the most successful countries, with less violent crime and homelessness than the US, despite having religiosity rates often under 20%?
Brings tears to my eyes. Why have I never heard about Baldwin. Left my white evangelical church for Absyiddian in NYC and found out about Baldwin by reading the church history. And yes, why haven't things changed and why are there so many white racists? Is it jealousy? Is it fear? Is it ignorance? Probably all of the above.
Thank you so much for uploading this. I've been trying to find the full interview recently, since James Baldwin has suddenly gained greater relevance. Seems like the people in charge of this channel realised how important this interview was in the current climate.
As much as I don’t like the questions being posed, I do appreciate the fact that Gavett actually gives his host a chance to answer his questions and even seems to listen for understanding. Now interviewers today....smh
The Sage...The Dick Cavett show was one of my favorite programs as a child. You didn’t see a lot black people on TV, Cavett and others like Mike Douglas kept it very real for audiences then... those questions were perfect, and Cavett knew White America needed to hear them.
I think that, to a large extent, Cavett was doing it on purpose to give Baldwin time to go deeper into each of his statements. He was a skilled interviewer.
James Baldwin is the epitome of a behaviorist. Without calling himself a psychologist. He just understands through experience how so many abhorrent behaviors are formed. Such an insightful man. Such a hero of insight. From the individual identity to national identity, he understands the correlations. We can still learn so much from him. And I have so much to learn. And also, I guess some of the questions about “burning it down” are better summed up by Anarchist rhetoric than racial rhetoric, for which this interview simply doesn’t have the depth of time to go into. But when he finally says that the police are there to protect “your property, rather than my rights” he nails the essential anarchist principle of the justification of force. What empowers the police is supposed to be laws, but in the end it’s just bullets.
@@phillipwilson8973 Schools don't teach history from the point of view of the victims. You have to read the black and native American authors. And Howard Zinn.
I teach Baldwin's work in a college course for freshmen of all majors. I include one Baldwin interview with one short story. Many students are struck by him and choose his story for their final essay on the one work that influenced them the most. He's gone but he's still here. Look at us all still learning from him on TH-cam.
james baldwin was/is a brilliant artist, philosopher, activist, and human being. missing him greatly, and so many who have stood for truth and justice. those continuing now carry the torch. all good things to you james, in spirit and music!
This is such a powerful video! Cavett is such a great interviewer. This video makes me realize that we haven't really come that far as far as racism in America. I blame Trump for ignoring the hatred and feeding the fire.
He quoted Charlie Patton. ‘ tear the building down’ great 1920s delta blues man. Baldwin was a brilliant and beautiful orator. I could listen to him for hours. Where are our intelligent public people today ?
I wish TV interviews went back to this format. Tucker Carlson would have been trying to debate him rather than listen, and interrupt him every 5 seconds
Wow. His words still ringing true today. What a writer and orator. 2020 and people still dont understand why people wanna "burn it down" need to hear 3:35-6:15
James Baldwin should be required reading in all high schools. What is the country so afraid of? Let's just tell the truth in our schools, enlighten our students so that they understand from a place of truth.
Thank you. That was the first long form interview of James Baldwin I've ever seen. I am stunned. I see, looking at the Trump era, that he was far more accurate about the situation than my own assessment, post MLK. THIS IS PROFOUND. I am going to have to take some time to process this. Mr Cavett, you are a treasure! If you could, please link the rest of the interview.
The utter grace, self-knowing, holistic comprehension, intelligence, kindness, resolve, dignity, creative power, beauty, brilliance, prescience, patience, fullness, that is so ever-present in James Baldwin, is but a sliver of the magic and magnificence that bodies of culture have always expressed and sustained. The true light, the emergent medicine that black/indigenous people embody as the attempted/continued spiritual genocide that is WBS rages on, is unfathomable.
Cavett: “That’s impressive, I don’t understand the last sentence”
If only people were able to admit this and say it more. It’s the fundamental of trying to open your mind and understand someone else
Tyler. Powerful observation by you. I believe you are 100% correct!
Some people don't get the context of this conversation. Hardly anyone on television back then would have had James Baldwin on in the first place. Dick Cavett was coming from a very, very good POV. He gave Baldwin a forum where people in the public who might not have ever heard him were exposed to his brilliance and principles and righteous anger. Cavett was probably framing some of his questions based on what he thought might elicit answers that would get through to the audience. He appreciated James Baldwin and was sincerely and respectfully trying to open up dialogue that would serve as a lesson for white Americans.
This conversation is so relevant today. Baldwin saw the reality so clearly. His eloquence is beautiful
- I am heartened that we are seriously searching for answers here on TH-cam. It is easier for me to accept James Baldwin’s erudite remarks than essentially the same message from angry social activists today. It may be that Baldwin governed his passion for Cavett’s largely white, late night audience.
yes! . . . what if more of us could admit we need more clarity, if more of us could make room for actually hearing something new, something that challenges us a bit even. What if we were more concerned with understanding than being understood . . . . Radical change would have to occur.
"You want me to be an accomplice to my own murder" .... Powerful words.
What does that mean to you?
@@RobertaPeck how many times have you heard the phrase "oh, she must have been asking for it?" more times than should be said in any society
it's not usually put in those words. sometimes it "why was she out so late?" "why was she alone in that neighborhood?" "how much had she been drinking?"
it's a way of excusing horrible actions and unfortunately too many women say these words as well as men because of our conditioning.
it's no different in the black community. rather than looking at how 400 years of enslavement and being put down with force means that many many excuses have been made for why black people still suffer there are always those how say "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" while also electing politicians who do their best to cut off black people's metaphorical legs.
@@luisostasuc8135 why are all your examples based on women?
@@RobertaPeck That Baldwin recognizes that the Oppressors wants him to be stupid, and go along with the lies, to deny what he clearly sees and hears FOR HIMSELF. Nice try, but he wasn't about to do any of that. People need to read his writings.
Exactly! And it’s still relevant today... Perpetrating the attack of the perpetrator on oneself.
It is so rare for the TV hosts to tell to the guests sincerely "i don't get this point", and to go in more deep conversation. My deep respect to brilliant James Baldwin and Dick Cavett, who showed how true listening on media could look like.
This type of interview simply can't happen on mainstream TV.
Dick Cavett looks so uncomfortable with what Mr. Baldwin is saying. But has enough intestinal fortitude to ask for clarification. He was expecting a denouncing of the violent rhetoric and instead got an explanation why it was happening.
@@gillsmoke Agreed. I personally don't expect people to carry guilt of sins they didn't commit. Although some wishful thinking keeps us from admitting some really hard to swallow truths. Or we may start imagining that things are magically getting better. In this video, the host becomes increasingly shook as the interview goes on. That effect can't be observed if the person listening to what Baldwin says ignores completely. Even though racial rhetoric is age old, listening it directly from a well educated wise black man and internalising it even partially can make the listener introspect.
please, fight for this, this to be our normal interaction again!!
I always had respect for Dick Cavett. He always showed respect to his guests.
This can not be overstated, *James Baldwin* had a brilliantly beautiful mind!
YES! Exquisitely thoughtful and articulate. Impossible not to revere.
The patience Baldwin is exercising is unbelievable. What a great man he was.
But you could tell even then he’s tired of people being so stupid and oblivious
G D Yes, much of it is willful ignorance. And this willful ignorance brings comfort because it is disturbing to witness that your privilege comes with the cost of destroying other people’s lives
The grace he possessed through the anger… The wisdom. He was special.
It helps that dick is a good person compared to most white people lol
You blithering half wits acting like any of the questions were illegitimate considering his rhetoric is truly the most mainstream thing running rampant today.
You can't help but love James Baldwin.
I wouldn't dare to try not loving James Baldwin.
...a brilliant mind
Can't help but respect the man. (And let's not forget how brilliant a writer he was.)
@Deese Knutz if you're black & don't understand, let's talk about it. If you're white & don't understand, that's a different thing.
Damn right
“Police are not there to protect my life. They are there to protect your property.”
@Jim Hope Hi Jim. I think, at the time, Mr. Baldwin meant it in a broader way. Like, the police were there to keep them in line, under control as a whole, in order to protect what white people value. To keep their despair contained in their black neighborhoods and out of white neighborhoods. The police system wasn't set up to protect black people, it was set up to protect white people. The mentality of that system continues to this day...
@@MrAndMrsAlohaFriday - you profoundly get it! Trying to educate the Jim Hopes of the world is wasted words. Jim Hope is clueless by making such a statement is so naive and/or ignorant. He can only imagine what happens if you are black and you call the police to protect your property . . . . . HA! If he ever did it, he'll not do it a second time for sure.
@Jim Hope google "redlining"
@@burner1303 redlining ... protecting property values and 'good schools' ...
You are so right - very important moment in this interview. The direct relevance to attitudes today is astounding. Cavett, who's about as open-minded as you can get on TV, was completely flabbergasted by that line but today, it makes perfect sense.
"I don't want to be given anything by you (white culture). I just want you to leave me alone, so I can do it myself."
Who are you?
"I don't want anything from you." (Except enough reparations to destroy the economy so China can buy America.)
When James Baldwin said that I was thinking; "the people of the BLM movement would throw his ass out on the street for even thinking such things". Of course most people in the BLM movement are white liberals.
@@gj4578 so well said...its all about power
well stated
Tears comes to my eyes listening to this eloquent teacher of the ages. It's 2020 and the pain is still real!
No one speaks like this! Elegantly pleading for justice! Reminds me of Gordon parks.
The situation has changed so little, so shamedly little.
I was straight up in tears. The pain in his voice as he describes the "crime" of just being a POC in 1960s America.
what a load of shyte James Baldwin spoke. he was the big racist
Why you crying? Cringe
Please go buy and read his books- James Baldwin is an American and African Amercian treasure. It's not enough to watch him on TH-cam.
Which books would you recommend?
Christvie Mamba going to meet the man, go tell it on the mountain, if Beale street could talk.
@@AfroMedic Thank you
BikeGypsy you are welcome
I though he was British...he didn't have an American accent.
James Baldwin was a great mind, his words were a gift to this world.
The World didn’t accept this gift.
James Baldwin was a great mind, his words were a gift to this world
A more proficient writer than a speaker. His speech is unintelligible in key points here
@@MechaJutaro Intelligent conversation is often deemed incomprehensible by those not intelligent enough to understand it. This fact is evinced by Dick Cavett's lack of understanding. So, to your point, perhaps the conversation needed to be brought down to the level of the listener. However, that is a very difficult task to accomplish when trying to represent the intellect of, not just yourself, but, an entire race of people.
@@MechaJutaro ...Have you ever met James Baldwin? Did you know or speak to him?
@@MechaJutaro You've got to be kidding!
"You don't understand the brutality of the police on my community" Black people have been saying the same thing for generation. Powerful statement.
White people also continues to dismiss this truth, as if all Black people were just "confused" about reality or had a "bad day". It's a dizzying and repetitive gaslighting.
Why everyone be so mad at white people? 🤣 hilarious I never hear anyone talk about what Arabs did to black Africans, no one dare says it.... it's crazy the Arabs conquered Africa stripped their entire religion and sold black Africans to white people, it's all wrong but we need to get passed that and make our people better we won't do that with complaints but with understanding the truth
@@mirygalas6508 do you acknowledge what the Arabs did to the African community?????
@@steventhauriaux195 did Arabs did bad to Africans in USA or in Africa? It's same as saying sure Earth is warming but have you witnessed how hot Venus is LOL.
@@steventhauriaux195 two wrongs don't make a right! Everytime the issue of slavery comes up, white folks do like you and reflect it on another race. Stay focused.
Not once have I seen his name in any of my high school textbooks. Why isn’t this part of history taught
My thoughts exactly
Baldwin should be read and taught in all schools in this country. He was a genius artist.
Too much truth.
I say the same. Smh
“ history is written by the winners” this is HOW the dominant culture( white) keeps ALL Americans ignorant of the truth of black genius. Baldwin is one of the first to speak truth to power. Just look at Cavett’s face. This is the FIRST time he has ever even heard this! ( by the way, I am NOT a person of color)
James Baldwin was probably one of the greatest leaders we had and without even proclaiming to be a leader. His brilliance and deep honestly were leadership in itself. He was such an incredible man. Much respect to Mr. Baldwin. Imagine if such a person had a leadership role in this nation, what kind of nation we would have been.
His intelligence was unmatchable
@@StefanH-u4yyall just spouting random words, really
@@Woodsarasas opposed to this very insightful line for the ages you’ve given us? Baldwin is the great writer here. And I mean this in the most traditional sense, he is a part of the great Western tradition of higher learning and the arts, a writer whose many works are a respected and very widely taught part of the modernist and post-modernist canon. You can say that “they” (or we) are “just spouting random words” out, but I would remind you that it isn’t our responsibility to rival Baldwin in his uniquely capable articulation, or try (and inevitably, fail) to match him in eloquence. The man was a great mind, and a compelling public figure. That he was not, if indeed that is your position, is a very fringe and reactionary point of view.
As you watch this interview, remember that Cavett was asking questions as a stand-in for a mostly white, middle-class audience that was, on average, less educated and sophisticated than himself. Thus he had to act like he understood less than he did. This was not a specialty audience like one for the "Daily Show" or the Thom Hartmann radio show. It was a mass TV audience that had only three networks to choose from. He had to be, to some extent, the "translator" of Baldwin's ideas to them, even as his own mind was being blown by Baldwin's brilliant clarity (as we see it now, with the advantage of 52 years of hindsight).
Damn, do we need James Baldwin now! Spread his insights to anyone who's willing to listen and learn (and even those who aren't).
Word
LoL if you think Thom Hartmann and his audience are anything but "less sophisticated". He's Fox news for the overly empathetic.
Very insightful and eloquent, NC
Cavett’s formal education taught him nothing at all about the subjects Baldwin raised. Do you think Cavett took courses on police brutality at Yale? The point is that a highly educated white man can graduate with honors from the most prestigious universities in the world and still know virtually nothing about the black experience.
To my knowledge, everything we built ourselves they systematically destroyed- literally. I'm researching why Harlem was able to thrive. Bc every other township we created was destroyed, our people were massacred, and the land was stolen. 😢
James Baldwin states precisely the issue that confronts us now.
He also went to live in France. What a great leader
Canus Lupus yes perhaps if he stated in America he’d have been assassinated like the rest of the black leaders
@@ZeroDrizzy Baldwin begins his remarks by saying that his concern is precisely for the country. He wasn't fighting against peace and love.
@@frazierduran71 In France he could be treated like a human being; not hard to understand unless you're determined not to.
John Lawson He could’ve lived in Africa as a king though instead of another white mans country
Sounds like he is speaking in 2020! Same exact conversation is being had! Literally word for word w/ different political figures.
Kel Kel, I agree. However, Cavett seemed out of step and somewhat tone deaf in the interview.
I haven't heard anything recently that even comes close in eloquence.
@@devo196047 Baldwin's entire point was that eloquence isn't needed. His eloquence, and the idea of eloquence to you is fundamentally based in what white culture quantifies as being such. To ask for eloquence or else not listen is an example of racism, and certainly white supremacy. To not listen to the very same points but conveyed in a non-conventionally-white form of eloquence is to fail to understand Baldwin. You should not admire him for his way with words, unless you are analyzing his poetry, but the substance of his words, his ideas. In whatever form they be.
@@God-mb8wi THIS!
"Perhaps I don't want to become like Ronald Reagan, or like the president of General Motors. Perhaps I have another sense of life., which in fact my situation here has forced me to trust. And perhaps I know more about you and your institutions than you know about me. Perhaps I have a judgement on them. Perhaps I don't want what you think I want. And there's nothing that you can give me. Perhaps there's something I can give you."
Spoken with such feeling, sincerity and empowerment. I'm sure there are billions of people who feel the same way, whatever the colour of their skin may be. I'm Caucasian, but this resonates so much to me.
We're not going to be driven and coerced by these deeply dehumanizing and destructive systems anymore!
Me too, Molly. I loved that part. This is a long overdue education - the most important education of our lives.
So well said! I'm white, as well, but I've always had such deep respect and appreciation for James Baldwin's words. He was just the realest and most uncompromising human being to ever breathe. Not only did he understand the anatomy of the white American racist to perfection, but he offered truths about humanity itself that still shake me to my core every time I hear/read them.
So much so that one is actually a profile picture of James Baldwin that I created myself. It says; “The victim who is able to articulate the situation of the victim has ceased to be a victim: he or she has become a threat.”
I made a number of them during Black History Month a few years ago to share on my own personal Facebook page, primarily to make his words accessible to friends and family who may otherwise just overlook them. I feel like he's one of the most important figures in our country's history to study. Everything he said is as relevant today as it was back then... Some even more so. There will never be a time where his words won't hold true.
"We're not going to be driven and coerced by these deeply dehumanizing and destructive systems anymore!"
Indeed. This racism against white people particularly has to stop. It's important that people understand that is okay to be white.
Euphoric Atheist You’re too daft to be on this thread.
@@euphoricatheist6694 Some would call me crazy to write to you because you probably won't take what I'm going to say seriously, but I'm writing in the hopes that there's a bit of humanity in you and anyone else who might identify with you. People can change, and it's never too late. I know all this is hard and confusing. I know it challenges your identity and makes you fearful and defensive. But if you make yourself vulnerable and open, and just TRY, you can begin a different journey. It's okay to afraid, it's okay to reevaluate what you've always believed or held dear. It's courageous to change. So, here goes. It IS okay to be white. It is NOT okay to use our white privilege to hurt others or deprive them of their constitutional rights as Americans. It is NOT okay to make being white all you stand for. Why? Because it's not healthy for you. You need to count more than just being born as an achievement. You had nothing to do with being born white - wrapping yourself in that does nothing substantial. You should be able to look at your life and feel proud of yourself for being kind and caring to ALL human beings, to have sacrificed something you wanted for someone else, to have done a good deed without being asked, and to have done all these things for those you don't even know. THAT is what fills you with REAL pride and achievement. So, it's okay to be white. It's okay to wrong, too. I am 50+ and I've had to remove a lot of brainwashing to find what I really believe in. Not what has been instilled in me by others throughout my early years. Finding the courage to face being wrong, take responsibility for it and start down a new path is really, really hard. When you conquer that, you'll find what makes you really proud of being YOU. And, no one is really white, by the way. No one. If you're lucky enough to live to be 100, I hope you'll be able to look back at your life and feel proud of something real. Best wishes to you. The Mrs.
“ To be African American is to be African without history, and American without privilege” -Baldwin
Dick Cavett was comfortable asking the questions... but so uncomfortable with the truths that were coming back his way. Props to him though, he didnt back away.
thats what it means to be a genuinely curious person. cavett asked questions to illuminate and clarify, not to challenge.
@@gusdownes7485 i feel like that’s a KEY reason discourse is falling apart people almost only ask questions to challenge and prove someone else wrong
As Brando said during his appearance, Cavett tries to hold honest intellectual conversations while still appealing to the masses, the network and does yeoman duty to that end.
@@gusdownes7485curiosity 🙄 he knew that systematic racism was as American as America ... playing coy shouldn't ever be downplayed.
Glad the official account finally shared this. Was getting tired of watching the 3 minute something clip in 144p that was available secondhand...
If you subscribe you can watch every show hes had on
SAME
@Nipun Sethi yeah for real - he didn't even make an appearance, there's gotta be another 10' at least right? maybe there'll be another addition in the coming future?
I needed this today. This incredible, unapologetic man.
"All your buried corpses now begin to speak.". Wow.
Speaking the truth
@Neet This should be shown on the news right now in 2020
He was our Frederick Douglass. I wish more than anything that we had him here now.....
He is still here speaking from beyond. Its still worser then as is now.
We've been speaking it's that You haven't heard & that's The difference
I am glad to see so many young people here who found James Baldwin because of this interview. He wrote alot of books and said many things that could have been written yesterday. Go and find out for yourself guys.
"the police are not there to protect my life. They are there to protect YOUR property". Mic drop!
MEGA Mic Drop!!!!
Exactly. It's part of the white man's covenant and their militias govern.
Might have been true then but they're not protecting anything now,
There's a reason why people meet the police and everyone seems to be ignoring it . . .
@@JungleJeffarnold you're ignoring the most important distinction to the question and want to know why we cant generate your answer?
The question is (paraphrased) why do BLACK people face different policing than white people? Did we just watch a video of James Baldwin just wondering over and over why police even "meet people." Do police have that much trouble "meeting people" that they need to pull over black people for frivolous reasons just to get introduced around or something?
That isn't a mic drop at all. Why are you not asking questions like "Aren't they there to protect the wealthy". There is a poor black person and then there are black celebrities. Are they putting any $$$ back into the black community? It is the poor against the wealthy. Ask LeBron James what happens if he calls the police. They come right away.
Something about Mr. Cavett's demeanor while talking to Mr. Baldwin tells me he is really open to all kinds of intellectual discourse. This leads me to believe that he has good judgement and a genuine interest in difficult conversations.
He wouldn’t have made a very good host if he wasn’t.
Benny Alves he was a wonderful and very man who was always open to learning about people.
That's Cavett!
@@robinflea Is. He's still around and smart as ever. :)
@Charles Hawtrey and the Deaf Aids Sorry about your childhood.
His voice is so soothing for some reason, peace & love from Palestine.
Hi voice is hectic but for darn good reason
Palestinian Hip-Hop I totally agree. Could listen to him for hours.
Support thru struggle palistine will be free from Zionist occupation
Peace and love brother.
As a brother I stand in complete solidarity with Palestine we share a common enemy that looks the same but goes by a different name James Baldwin would know that.
James Baldwin--incredible passion and intellect. Was ahead of his time in 1969 and is ahead of his time in 2020; but he's needed desperately.
blanchefan ...as well as Malcolm X, both simply believed in Independence, relying on self.
Reparations and 40 Acres are NEEDED MORE.
Separation is definitely needed.
I agree.
Well said
@@negloblaxon7616 Separation only breeds contempt. Baldwin does not want separation.
Dick Cavett is an eternal kindred spirit. I have the upmost respect for him for interviewing amazing people like this.
This is an important part of human history. I came here after watching Malcolm X interviews.
Instead of disparaging Cavett, remember that he gave Baldwin a platform over and over. Cavett featured Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, etc. gave them the forum for the definitive interviews they made. What we have of these national treasures is largely due to Cavett making sure they were given a forum, and he made sure they had time to express their ideas. Imagine not having these clips on TH-cam.
Incredible conversation, cavett and Baldwin are extremely intelligent individuals and its very interesting to hear them discuss such complex topics. Baldwin said some things that resonate greatly with me and you can see even cavett was having a hard time keeping up (although I'm sure he agreed with Baldwin's statements). The topic is still relevant today and I wish everyone would see this interview and educate themselves on what a real discussion is.
I like how Cavett was open to the discussion as well and opened the conversation. He listened and asked questions. This was 1969 and we're still here today because people don't have the same patience and listening skills as Cavett.
I'm having "a hard time keeping up" too, he's being quite vague and ambiguous
Only White people who benefit from white supremacy have a hard time tracking 👣 Baldwin and Black people who have been so conditioned by white supremacy that they can't think straight...other than that, Baldwin laid it out plain and simple
@@pcprinciple3774 -- James Baldwin is as "vague and ambiguous" as Donald Trump is a Rhodes Scholar. He's probably the single-most direct intellectual of the last hundred years in this country. Just because you can't hear past the muffling with your head so far up your own a$$ that you're wearing kidneys as earmuffs doesn't mean the rest of us have that same problem.
Baldwin had this electrifying presence, Jsy U.
Still completely relevant in 2020
Right. It was gibberish then and it's gibberish now.
2020 too
@@crystalfeather9040 unfortunate that you feel that way.
100% this.
Why is it relevant now?
"I'm not talking about individual policemen, I'm talking about the structure which this people work in" with this sentence James Baldwin perfectly described what systemic racism is. 👏👏👏
And perhaps today!
@@seang3019 perhaps NOT
No such thing now day , I’m a Hispanic immigrant
@@seang3019 most definitely today, Systemic racism still exists. If it didnt.. we wouldnt STILL be having the same conversations on racism, inequality, police brutality like in 1969
@Jesse Ironside that raises a question i have; do you feel as if since an higher ranked more authoritative position holding individual gives out a racist order to those who are subjective to follow him no matter their own moral discontents of being tasked with such arbitrary missions is systematic or still individual?
Always heard the name but never heard him speak or have read anything from him, very glad I just heard him speak.
You have to really appreciate the media for this. The fact that we are able to hear this man speak is a blessing 🙌
It is so hard to listen him and not cry
I see Conan and Stephen trying to do the same thing. To listen... Not to talk... Ask a question and then listen. Cavett was way ahead of his time. Allowing himself to make mistakes. To learn. As Kamau Bell asked Conan.
Some folks remember what happened to them 2000 years ago and still try to stay aware and alert- don't take anything for granted. The black story in America is just 400 years old.
Thank you for posting. This is powerful.
Cavett was (and probably still is a liberal racist)...it's people like him who offered racism breeding ground from the very beginning...Baldwin on the other hand, is the one who was ahead of his time...so much so, that throughout this interview he had to explain things that most black people know by 3rd or 4th grade, to Cavett like he was talking to a remedial student.
Watch the Cavett interview, some years later, with Eddie Murphy. Dick tries to slip the word "ni***r" in there with a kind of casualness that denotes his being 'above racism' and a very young Eddie lets him stew in the misstep. Quite good.
@@calmnrelaxed agreed, hes a typical liberal racist. To this day we cant trust liberals. Stephen Colbert is the voice of the "liberal democratic" status quo. Same status quo that sees black men disproportionately killed by the police, drugs flooded into poor neighborhoods, continuation of indian genocide, draining the third world of their resources etc.
@@calmnrelaxed - What proof, if any, do you have of the accusation?
Well it didn't happen to "them" did it?
Thank you for posting this clip! I hope many people share it. Mr. Baldwin is sharing his truth and it’s very emotional to witness.
The gentleman is right, if you really know your history, the real history, his right. 400 plus years of being treated like crap, is enough for anyone to be a little bitter.
@Wicked Jester James Baldwin would not be a member of either party. Remember: he was an intellectual.
Angry, not bitter. Bitter suggests that somebody is upset but for no reason. There is righteous indignation here.
“ I don’t want anything from YOU. I just what to be left alone so I can earn it myself.”
James Baldwin was amazing.
That part.
not many agree with that sentiment unfortunately
Ye, he condradictes himself like a bilion times there
@Zack-xz1ph That's an inaccurate statement, most black people who have not accepted the second-class citizen training and brainwashing feel EXACTLY this way.
You all think your liberal and enlightened. When really, Your not! 🤔 So many statements under this video are so cringy.
Here we are in 2023 and we are STILL here having this discussion!!! Mr. Baldwin is a amazing man!! 👏🏽
"I don't want to be given anything by you. I just want to be left alone so that I can get it myself."
Don't give me something, just don't impede me from doing it myself. Something tells me he would not have been a fan of affirmative action.
Yes, leave us tf alone!!!!!
James Baldwin is one of several thinkers who helped me as a White man understand what systemic racism is. He helped me commit to unlearning attitudes and perceptions I was brought up with, and I will always be grateful to him for starting me on that journey.
@philmole as a BLacK Male I would love to have a conversation with you and I sincerely commend you for writing and acknowledging your learned behaviors. It would be an honor if we could converse over this. Planting the seeds so this will come to fruition. Your Brother in Spirit
@@raylawrence9573 Appreciate the kind words. In all honesty I'd forgotten about this comment and while I still entirely support the main sentiment of it I cringed a little at the wording I used then and have edited the comment to better reflect the way I'd put it today. The larger point remains that I have an immense respect for James Baldwin and he's been a very important part of my becoming a better and more aware person.
"I don't want anything from you, we just want to be left alone so we can do it ourselves".
James Baldwin was one of the most brilliant, eloquent, intelligent Americans there ever was, among all races, genders, and ethnicities. A genuine gift to humanity.
This guy should have been a lawyer..he gets across his argument non-aggressively, but still packs the punch same way. he has taught me a lot about controlling my anger about injustices and expressing it in a non-judgemental way
Instead he became a brilliant writer! That would’ve been a waste.
My favorite author. "The fire next time". Brilliant.
Another Country for me. Extraordinary writer.
Regardless, if you like CNN or FOX, no current host allows their guest to speak this much. Cavett, listened, respectful, polite and ask very good questions during a time when our country was at a tipping point. Great job.
I love how Dick Cavett brings up the idea that black people were prospering back then just because we were in the lime light in hollyhood. Yet its only been 4 years since the civil rights act passed back then.
It's hard to believe. My uncle said when he was young, he and a friend walked into a bar and the bar owner said, "We don't allow Mexicans in here."
"My uncle then told them they were headed off to Vietnam."
The bar owner made an exception.
the arrogance of the white savior. truly astounding as it is innocent.
It's a great historical document in part for Dick's stupidity and confident ignorance.
@@burner1303 Cavett was considered "out there" in his time for inviting Baldwin, Jim Brown, John Lennon, etc. on his show.
That blew my mind, I had to look at the date again to make sure I wasn't dreaming. It might be another hundred years before TRUE change.
*A gifted statesman with a truly eloquent and incredible mind by any standard.*
Who could blame him if he were bitter, but I don't get that impression from him.
His words should be a part of our education. It is our loss that it is not already.
"I can't depend on the American moral credit to save some of the people whom I love. because you don't have that moral credit." Still true!
James Baldwin’s intellect and candor was a gift to humanity- one which we ignored while we had him, and one which we’re still not quite ready to receive today.
James Baldwin was right, being "integrated" is NOT the same as being included. Baldwin was breathing fire in this interview. I got the distinct impression that DC viewed JB more of a provocateur than someone expressing both personal & historical racial grievances. Cavett, the racist apologist was very uncomfortable doing this interview & but also was way out of his league.
You are right about Cavett but I have to hand it to him, he did invite guests that spoke their mind like the Mohammed Ali interview which was tense until Norman Mailer defused it. That was raw, honest TV back then. No BS.
You believe DC was a racist apologist. I believe he was living, growing, and learning during every interview. He was the original Johnny Carson. I don't think Dick had a racist bone in his body. Remember what was happening during all the decades he interviewed people. I believe he interviewed people of all races and showed them respect. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'd never thought of him in those terms. James Baldwin was a very intellectual deep thinker and he gave a great interview here. As you said, he spit fire :D
No reason to insult Cavett. Baldwin was a writer, an intellectual, it is always demanding to immediately track this kind of people's thoughts.
@@FreakyStyleytobby It's demanding if you can't follow Baldwin's thoughts because you're so enshrined in your own privileged viewpoint as a rich, white man. Baldwin is brilliant of course, but Cavett is claiming Baldwin is obtuse and overstating his points because he disagrees with Baldwin.
@@burner1303 did you see his tax return or something?
The Knowledge Is So Powerful That It Is Intimidating...✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
"Religion exist so the poor people don't kill the rulling class" Napoleon Bonaparte
religion also keeps the poor from living life on the streets, and devolving into robbery and chaos. The people who are most critical of religion, are people rich enough to live without it.
Don't know if it's true, but it's good.
@@judeavision8807 Unfortunately it often keeps them from fighting for justice & their lives. Jesus loves the sufferers.
@@judeavision8807 Then why do Norway, Denmark and Sweden have some of the most successful countries, with less violent crime and homelessness than the US, despite having religiosity rates often under 20%?
That actually makes a lot of sense
Brings tears to my eyes. Why have I never heard about Baldwin. Left my white evangelical church for Absyiddian in NYC and found out about Baldwin by reading the church history. And yes, why haven't things changed and why are there so many white racists? Is it jealousy? Is it fear? Is it ignorance? Probably all of the above.
Thank you so much for uploading this. I've been trying to find the full interview recently, since James Baldwin has suddenly gained greater relevance. Seems like the people in charge of this channel realised how important this interview was in the current climate.
But this still isn't the whole interview.
the patience this brother is showing ❤
As much as I don’t like the questions being posed, I do appreciate the fact that Gavett actually gives his host a chance to answer his questions and even seems to listen for understanding.
Now interviewers today....smh
The Sage...The Dick Cavett show was one of my favorite programs as a child. You didn’t see a lot black people on TV, Cavett and others like Mike Douglas kept it very real for audiences then... those questions were perfect, and Cavett knew White America needed to hear them.
I think that, to a large extent, Cavett was doing it on purpose to give Baldwin time to go deeper into each of his statements. He was a skilled interviewer.
There will never be another James Baldwin. He was a freakin' genius
James Baldwin is the epitome of a behaviorist. Without calling himself a psychologist. He just understands through experience how so many abhorrent behaviors are formed. Such an insightful man. Such a hero of insight. From the individual identity to national identity, he understands the correlations. We can still learn so much from him. And I have so much to learn. And also, I guess some of the questions about “burning it down” are better summed up by Anarchist rhetoric than racial rhetoric, for which this interview simply doesn’t have the depth of time to go into. But when he finally says that the police are there to protect “your property, rather than my rights” he nails the essential anarchist principle of the justification of force. What empowers the police is supposed to be laws, but in the end it’s just bullets.
James Baldwin is a incredible soul & im very thankful for him
I took so much literature in high school. It breaks my heart we never read James Baldwin.
Stephen Carter I’d like to hear more on this?
Neither did we. This message is too sincere for our public schools
@@phillipwilson8973 Schools don't teach history from the point of view of the victims. You have to read the black and native American authors. And Howard Zinn.
I teach Baldwin's work in a college course for freshmen of all majors. I include one Baldwin interview with one short story. Many students are struck by him and choose his story for their final essay on the one work that influenced them the most. He's gone but he's still here. Look at us all still learning from him on TH-cam.
My 11th grade English teacher recommended Go Tell It On A Mountain. I enjoyed that book.
"I don't want anyone to give me anything. I just want you to leave me alone so I can do it for myself."
Thank you James Baldwin. Your genius keeps me going in the face of unspeakable injustice and hatred...
no matter where you fall on the political spectrum - i think all can agree that civil discourse is becoming a lost art.
Because white world didn't listen back in 1969. Did anyone expect things to get better in spite of the stupidity?
As it should. Nothing else to talk about.
Just to be left alone and take care of himself. Cheers!
Cheering common sense🙄. The summit of idiocy😒
Who?
speaks for all of us. ♥
I can stop calling a black man a black man and he stops calling me a white man.
Lee who started that thing again? 😂
Fascinating! I only discovered James Baldwin recently, but I could listen to him for hours ....
If only such gems from Baldwin were core pieces of US curriculum.
James Baldwin has recently become one of my favourite writers and speakers of all time. Amazing.
james baldwin was/is a brilliant artist, philosopher, activist, and human being. missing him greatly, and so many who have stood for truth and justice. those continuing now carry the torch. all good things to you james, in spirit and music!
Wow this man was really prescient for all times. Beautiful writer and soul.
Mr Baldwin is captivating when he speaks from the heart.
Dick Cavett was the only interviewer Black folks would talk to because he was interested in what was being said.
This is such a powerful video! Cavett is such a great interviewer. This video makes me realize that we haven't really come that far as far as racism in America. I blame Trump for ignoring the hatred and feeding the fire.
Mr. Baldwin is definitely a genius who deserves to be included in the history books..
James Baldwin’s words are timeless.
One of the greatest articulate speakers, authors, to ever grace this Earth. Thank you for your existence Mr. James Baldwin. 👑
I can listen to this Guy for hours he's such à genius
James Baldwin was one of the top 10 most important intellectuals in the world, let alone the USA
He quoted Charlie Patton. ‘ tear the building down’ great 1920s delta blues man. Baldwin was a brilliant and beautiful orator. I could listen to him for hours. Where are our intelligent public people today ?
And we're still having the exact same conversation today.
And 50 years before that, WEB DuBois was having it with someone, and fifty years from now, it'll still be going on.
Back then things were true, now its all bullshit.
@@JungleJeffarnold Really? You're apparently not old enough to remember much.
Except much less civil.
@@williamanderson7647 How do you mean?
I wish TV interviews went back to this format. Tucker Carlson would have been trying to debate him rather than listen, and interrupt him every 5 seconds
I wish I could be as eloquent as him, what a great man
He is unapologetic and brutally honest I like him
Great points made by Mr. Baldwin.
Wow. His words still ringing true today. What a writer and orator. 2020 and people still dont understand why people wanna "burn it down" need to hear 3:35-6:15
Amazing, and astounding clarity.
Man - I know he's a very main author on the subject of racism, but getting to listen to him talk is awesome!
James Baldwin should be required reading in all high schools. What is the country so afraid of? Let's just tell the truth in our schools, enlighten our students so that they understand from a place of truth.
This short conversation has always been my favorite James Baldwin "moment."
I always enjoy hearing James Baldwin speak
This was an amazing conversation to have on tv when you consider how long ago it took place.
Only just come across James Baldwin. Feel like I've missed out on a lot and need to catch up!
Thank you. That was the first long form interview of James Baldwin I've ever seen. I am stunned. I see, looking at the Trump era, that he was far more accurate about the situation than my own assessment, post MLK. THIS IS PROFOUND. I am going to have to take some time to process this.
Mr Cavett, you are a treasure! If you could, please link the rest of the interview.
TV worth watching.The fascinating mind of James Baldwin.These conversations are as true today as ever!
He nailed it. And the depressing thing is that so much of it still holds true.
"People pretend they don't know....but they know.." So profound...and absolutely true then and even more true now.
This brother was deep. Love listening to him
The utter grace, self-knowing, holistic comprehension, intelligence, kindness, resolve, dignity, creative power, beauty, brilliance, prescience, patience, fullness, that is so ever-present in James Baldwin, is but a sliver of the magic and magnificence that bodies of culture have always expressed and sustained. The true light, the emergent medicine that black/indigenous people embody as the attempted/continued spiritual genocide that is WBS rages on, is unfathomable.
Thank you so much!!!! This conversation is priceless......