It is dangerous to be an American Negro male. America has never wanted its Negroes to be men, and does not, generally, treat them as men. It treats them as mascots, pets, or things.
James A. BaldwinRead
People who have been wronged will attempt to right the wrong; they would not be people if they didn't. They can rarely afford to be scrupulous about the means they will use. They will use such means as come to hand. Neither, in the main, will they distinguish one oppressor from another, nor see through to the root principle of their oppression.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People who feel wronged will seek justice, often using desperate measures without discerning the complexities of their oppression.
In this quote, James A. Baldwin reflects on the natural human reaction to perceived injustice. He suggests that individuals who have suffered wrongdoing will strive to rectify their situation, often resorting to any available means rather than adhering to a strict moral code. Furthermore, Baldwin points out that such people may fail to differentiate between various oppressors and might overlook the deeper systemic issues that contribute to their suffering, highlighting the complexities of justice and resistance.
Themes
JusticeOppressionWrongdoingHuman NatureMeansMoral Code
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about social justice movements to emphasize the desperation of those fighting for their rights.
More from James A. Baldwin
All quotes →The white man discovered the Cross by way of the Bible, but the black man discovered the Bible by way of the Cross.
James A. BaldwinRead
Those kids aren't dumb. But the people who run these schools want to make sure they don't get smart: they are really teaching the kids to be slaves.
James A. BaldwinRead
Experience, which destroys innocence, also leads one back to it.
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The reason people think it's important to be white is that they think it's important not to be black.
James A. BaldwinRead
The trick is to love somebody.... If you love one person, you see everybody else differently.
James A. BaldwinRead
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