"The Time Is Always Now": James Baldwin in Trump's America
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Nicholas Buccola
Location
Vivian A. Bull Music Center: Delkin Recital Hall
Subject Area
Political Science
Description
Gone is the optimism regarding race that typified the early years of Obama’s presidency. Trump’s meteoric rise has given Americans pause, and in this time of potential reflection theorists like James Baldwin are important to re-examine. This essay evaluates Baldwin’s theory from the inception of racism in America until its theoretical end, building on the existing literature that combines Baldwin’s novels and essays to propose practices that will help America move forward from the racial problem that has haunted its history. James Baldwin’s demand of individual reflection upon one’s system of reality necessitates the end of political demonology, as well as a reframing of rhetoric regarding American exceptionalism.
Recommended Citation
Stowell, Chase, ""The Time Is Always Now": James Baldwin in Trump's America" (2018). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 20.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2018/all/20
"The Time Is Always Now": James Baldwin in Trump's America
Vivian A. Bull Music Center: Delkin Recital Hall
Gone is the optimism regarding race that typified the early years of Obama’s presidency. Trump’s meteoric rise has given Americans pause, and in this time of potential reflection theorists like James Baldwin are important to re-examine. This essay evaluates Baldwin’s theory from the inception of racism in America until its theoretical end, building on the existing literature that combines Baldwin’s novels and essays to propose practices that will help America move forward from the racial problem that has haunted its history. James Baldwin’s demand of individual reflection upon one’s system of reality necessitates the end of political demonology, as well as a reframing of rhetoric regarding American exceptionalism.
