In James Baldwin's article "Notes of a Native Son," he reflected on his memories and the relationship he shared with his father. Baldwin did not have the best relationship with his father and did not spend too much time in his company, which he regretted. Baldwin discussed the events that occurred before, during, and after his father's death. He mainly focused on the Harlem and Detroit Riots, which occurred on the day of his father's funeral. There was also mention of his birthday.
             Baldwin was very afraid of his father. He and his siblings thought of him as an acrid person. When he would help them with their schoolwork or play with them, the unease that surrounded them was overwhelming. This often caused him to become outraged. Soon after this the children were looked upon as disobedient and were punished. Baldwin never invited company over because he was afraid that his father would somehow insult them. This was partly why none of the children were ever glad to see him come home (Baldwin 53).
             Baldwin's father was very proud of the fact that he was black. He did not have any white friends, and did not want his children to befriend whites either. He told them that they could not be trusted; however, Baldwin did not agree with him. Baldwin believed skin color played no role in whether or not one could be trusted. However his father's black pride stayed with him. There was always something about being black and having a sort of power. When Baldwin's father died and Baldwin saw him in the casket, he did not look like the man that Baldwin was raised by. Skin color did not matter. Baldwin realized that the problems did not depend on the race, it was just as much the white's fault as the black's.
             All in all, Baldwin did not "know" his father growing up. He could not remember any times in which his father brought any happiness into his, or any other person's life. Howeve...