Acceptance is not inferiority
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Baldvin regrets to say that you must accept white people, regardless of how they treat you. He justifies his statement by arguing the following: They are trapped in the past, in a history they do not understand. History and culture have always forced them to believe that black men are inferior to white men. Many of them now know the truth, but like to hide this harsh reality and not act on it. To act on it they put themselves in danger of losing their identity (the idea of whiteness). They fear what is out of order and 'nature' for them (23). They are afraid of losing their superiority and control over the American society. Baldvin means that black men always had a specific place and an inferior place in society. If they change places then this will instigate their fear of losing the natural order of things.
Additionally, what sticks out to me is when Baldvin states, "Please try to remember that what they believe, as well as what they do and cause you to endure, does not testify to your inferiority but to their inhumanity and fear" (22). Yancy proves this point by mentioning how the statement "Look, a Negro!" signifies white fear. It is seen as a warning with a possible threat, warning others to lock their doors, hold their purses, protect their children and women and so on (1-2). Feeding on to the idea that black people steal, cheat, and are dangerous, continuously building up on this negative perception. Such racialized stereotypes still exist today, dating even before the Civil Rights movement. A stereotype black people are labelled with and have to accept, but they should not let it take away their value as human beings. The reality is you must accept what you have, to survive you must stay in your place as a black man in a white society. But I would add to Baldvin's letter and say know your value and do not ever make them believe your lack of worth. Your acceptance does not justify your inferiority.