Baldwin’s Theory of His Americ

“You are thirty by now and nothing has helped you escaped the trap” (634). Baldwin states how blacks are human too, “Unless we can establish some kind of dialogue between those people who enjoy the American Dream and those who have not achieved it, he or she will he in terrible trouble”(636). Baldwin states how he and every other American Negro who cares about America have a place and purpose.

Later on, Baldwin’s definition of the American dream changed.

“It is a terrible thing for an entire people to surrender to the notion that one-ninth of its population is beneath them. “Perhaps I can be reasoned with, but I do not know-neither does Martin Luther King-none of us knows how to deal with people whom the white world has long ignored, who do not believe anything the white world says and do not entirely believe anything I or Martin say. “One of the things the white world does not know, but I think I know, is that black people are the same as everybody else” (636). At this point in Baldwin’s life the American dream was simply existence. Baldwin has hope that most people will achieve the American Dream because they want to get along and live in harmony. Until the moment comes when we, the Americans, are able to accept the fact that my ancestors are both black and white, that on that continent we are trying to forge a new identity, that we need each other, that I am a ward of America” (637). Here Baldwin states his definition of the American Dream-equality. Baldwin’s frustration grew as he realized that the person he loves’s most, his own children, will live the exact same childhood he was forced to endure. Although Baldwin saw some light at the end of the tunnel when World War II approached, the African men were asked to help defend the American country, by fighting in the war. So, until the moment comes when all people can be considered equal-there is no hope fir the American Dream.