Notes of a native son: The world according to James Baldwin - Christina Greer

James Baldwin was an American novelist and social critic whose essays in “Notes of a Native Son” explored race, sex and class distinctions.
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In the 1960s, the FBI amassed almost 2,000 documents in an investigation into one of America’s most celebrated minds. The subject of this inquiry was a writer named James Baldwin, one of the best-selling Black authors in the world at the time. What made him loom so large in the imaginations of both the public and the authorities? Christina Greer explores the life and works of James Baldwin.
Lesson by Christina Greer, directed by Jérémie Balais and Jeffig Le Bars.
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View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/notes-of-a...
Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Amber Wood, Ophelia Gibson Best, Cas Jamieson, Michelle Stevens-Stanford, Phyllis Dubrow, Andreas Voltios, Eunsun Kim, Philippe Spoden, Samantha Chow, Ayala Ron, Manognya Chakrapani, Simon Holst Ravn, Doreen Reynolds-Consolati, Rakshit Kothari, Melissa Sorrells, Antony Lee, Husain Mohammad, Max Shuai Tang, Côme Vincent, Astia Rizki Safitri, Alan Froese, alessandra tasso, Gerald Onyango, Katrina Harding, Ezgi Yersu, Al the Scottish Wildcat, Katie Dean, Kin Lon Ma, Carsten Tobehn, Boris Langvand, Jeremy Fryd, Charlene You, Carolyn Corwin, rakesh Katragadda, Sergi Páez, Jørgen Østerpart, Karla Brilman, Cindy O., Nicu Boanda, Reagen O'Connor, Sabrina Gonzalez, Dino Biancolini, FAWWAZ GHUWAIDI, Hadi Salahshour, Clement, Sarah Burns, Abdullah Altuwaijri, Jessie McGuire, Divina Grace Dar Santos and Brian Richards.

[@emmaclarkeart]

This animation is just stunning, I'm blown away....

[@yossigershon8357]

came here to write that, but you already did!

[@openheart820]

It's like Into the Spiderverse ☺️

[@cloe412]

This is so good. It gave me goose pumps. My favorite of the Ted-Ed animations so far.

[@PrimaAbdullah]

The color is like tintin, but the movement is so fluid. It's beautiful.

[@tagorewithlyric4394]

Wanted to say the same... The motion is so beautiful

[@huzefatasira6601]

"Hatred, which could destroy so much, never failed to destroy the man who hated, and this was an immutable law." - James Baldwin

[@Natalia-hf3et]

Chills.

[@dawynn9362]

I disagree. There’s a lot of hateful people out there that are just content with their life to the end.

[@adamtak3128]

@@dawynn9362 Meh... Being hateful all day every day is just exhausting. Do you think those KKK nuts are out living joyful and fulfilling lives? Being stuck in your bumfuck town all close minded and rejecting exploration of the outside world and cultures in my opinion destroys man.

[@Yowzoe]

Da Wynn Yes, but they’re shells of humans. Trump is content, but the hollowness of his soul is evident to anyone who can see and feel. I think this is what Baldwin means.

[@arnavchaudhary4535]

Deep Thought and an Irony.

[@AusyJo]

I wish we learned about authors like him in school. Better late than never, I suppose.

[@Natalia-hf3et]

Yes, I wish I had known of him years ago.

[@Manuel941]

I learnt about him through African writer Alain Mabanckou “letter to Jimmy”, why is he not read in America?

[@cloe412]

We had him in class in college.

[@TheAprilanne]

I did, but I grew up in liberal NY.

[@louisalvarez9907]

I promise as a future educator, I will make sure students know about him.

[@Sikstik]

"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." -James Baldwin Not a lot of listening going on ...

[@Natalia-hf3et]

True

[@michaelaseah2469]

ok boomer

[@solomonjagun4602]

Not a lot of good examples to follow either. Now it’s our responsibility as the young and informed generation to act how we would like our children and future generations to act. Stop pointing fingers and let’s take action.

[@MrZenGuitarist]

So true - every parent knows this, or at least SHOULD know this: That actions speak louder than words! I've always loved that quote but had no idea where that quote came from. Now I know. Thanks!

[@jaydeleon695]

If we become an example to each and everyone no one has to listen

[@nlsantiesteban]

I was not a very good student. After high school I had to take remedial English while I studied at the local community college. I remember that the professor of that class assigned us Baldwin's Sonny's Blues. No one read it, so she made us read it aloud, in class. The story spoke to me and the imagery was so striking, that I still remember it all these years later. Later, in graduate school, would consume everything Baldwin had to offer. In a way, Baldwin sparked something that eventually led me to earn a PhD.

[@ddavis4730]

What an awesome outcome. Congratulations, this is inspiring

[@brittneyclemons]

So inspirational!

[@alexanderfarah]

This brought a smile on my face :)

[@pocarisweet8336]

I certainly hope your professor knows about it. She will be proud and happy it was worth it.

[@nlsantiesteban]

@@pocarisweet8336 Wow. Honestly, it's been so long (I dropped out of community college and went back to school almost 10 years later) that I don't even remember who that prof. was. I'm going to see if I still have her name in my school records and if I find it, track her down.

[@gardenhead92]

Those with independent thoughts are a danger to those in power

[@mmosier8841]

@Stephen Bly depends on the amount of power and wether or not those in power are the people

[@fabazabe]

What is power and why thinking is a bad thing for it?

[@littlegothgirl8869]

True...

[@MrZenGuitarist]

Yes, indeed so! This is - at least in it's meaning - very similar, if not even the same message that Voltaire (the French revolutionist, who wrote many memorable both pamphlets and books right before and during the French revolution). I think it goes, at least something like this (although I do not know the usual English way to say it, like in words for exact word): 'It is certainly dangerous to be right where the establishment is wrong.'

[@AakashKumar-gl2fk]

Those with independent thoughts not in control are danger to all

[@ake_lindblom]

The animations are amazing!!

[@broseidon1658]

*”Ignorance, allied with power,”* *”is the most ferocious enemy”* *”justice can have.”* -James Baldwin.

These words describe the Left in 2019 perfectly....

[@broseidon1658]

True.

[@Andy-km1xp]

Poseidon the right *

[@hadesmcfadden2982]

@ If you actually exist I have an exercise for you. Take everything you think applies to the "left" and flip the script for a moment. Take into consideration what the "right" would think if you stopped being in agreement. Not simply taking the other side of the issue, but just looking at differently. You might come to find that the "right" is an inflexible as the "left" when it comes to not being in lockstep with a set of beliefs.

[@hadesmcfadden2982]

@@broseidon1658 this is anything but true.

[@Vshwin]

Can the quality get any better ! Seriously , you guys have made benchmarks , I haven't even seen touched by any other creator .

[@hellohellolcy]

i read the first line with chandler bing's voice lol

[@BRWN.MAMBA.7]

I wanted to like but this is at 666 likes

[@zkhdillard]

The animations are usually well done, but JESUS, man. If only there was a movie or something that told Baldwin's life story with this animation....😭😭

[@Koyasi78]

Or, just read his books.

[@pieman2435]

@@Koyasi78 It seems simple, but alot of people don't read anymore, and those who do might not know him, but giving him a movie would allow a broader audience access to his work

[@preeta8275]

Sadly movies usually are v biased. u have to have a v. unbiased writer, director, producer, etc. otherwise you get the Green Book.

[@johnindigo5477]

A documentary would be fitting

[@-Subtle-]

I believe you want: Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country. Look it up and attend the showing.

[@desean3402]

As long as I’ve been a teacher I’ve made it a point to teach this mans work because no one did that for me when I was a student. He’s on America’s Mount Rushmore of literature in my eyes

[@jasonkresock2196]

He was feared because he spoke the truth, unapologetically. Question answered. Great synopsis. Thank You.

[@atx-insider9055]

I love James Baldwin. He doesn't get the same credit other freedom fighters get. We need to respect this man's legacy.

[@zamzam-br3fi]

If there’s one book I recommend to anyone -regardless of topic being discussed- it is “The Fire Next Time.” I have never read a book so moving yet so simple to understand. I’ve never teared up reading a book, but this one did to me. I read it in one sitting on a Sunday from the time the coffee shop opened til it’s doors closed for the day. Please guys, read it, this book will bring so much clarity in times like these!!!!!!

[@nuclearnadal4869]

Gonna read his books after this

[@fernandorosas1257]

Saaaaame

[@angelazayn4878]

Me too

[@leila4509]

I had to pause this video to just comment that this animation is incredible! Thank you Ted, oh how you increase my knowledge, calm me down, and make my eyes behold such beautiful animation!

[@sebastianelytron8450]

Don't know what year that opening quote was from, but what I do know is it is perhaps more relevant now than ever.

[@TheKillerPROtato]

No its not. It was far more relevant back then.

See Alex's comment above

[@zkhdillard]

@@TheKillerPROtato STRONGLY agree. It seems to be the opposite now-a-days, only ignorance with the common people and in mass numbers

[@treeaboo]

@@zkhdillard Except that ignorance puts those with ignorance into power, which means the quote still works.

[@ra-benheka7219]

Or just as relevant. Who knows what my ancestors truly endured during those times.

[@asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw8791]

As a European it struck me how much Baldwin's writings resonated with me. I discovered him in my late teens and he's been one of my favourite thinkers since. The way he explained things palpably, able to be understood by such a large audience is absolutely stunning.

[@SeriousPOV]

"Notes of a Native Son", is nothing short of a Brilliant Essay. "Go Tell it on a Mountain" is Masters work in writing.

[@SeriousPOV]

Malcolm X on the March on Washington: "When James Baldwin came in from Paris, they wouldn’t let him talk, ’cause they couldn’t make him go by the script. Burt Lancaster read the speech that Baldwin was supposed to make; they wouldn’t let Baldwin get up there, ’cause they know Baldwin’s liable to say anything."

[@schneiderkamau3071]

Dang..the animation was tight...thanks Ted Ed.

[@mathiasjensen3458]

Of the many wonderful artstyles Ted-Ed uses in their short videos, this one has to be the best so far, absolutely mesmerising. I hope there will be more of this in the future, as it dragged me into the short story, and brought it to life.

[@TauGeneration]

I usually don't praise your artsyles because I known that they will be always good. But damn , this was so satisfying 😩👌

[@martintakeheart9903]

I'm currently reading this book :)

[@MrTurki213]

Martin Take Heart how is it Do u recommend it.?

[@martintakeheart9903]

@@MrTurki213 I'm currently reading through all of his books and honestly of the 3 I've read Notes of a native son is my favorite :)

[@ummicoats5207]

@@martintakeheart9903 Giovanni's Room is a good one as well

[@maurice8607]

I'm about 3/4 through the book myself. A superb read, I must say.

[@fernandorosas1257]

@@MrTurki213 are you still reading it?

[@SuicideBunny6]

If ever TED-Ed decided to make a fully animated biography of this (or any of its topics) I'd pay to be able to see it!

[@firedplay]

You would be wasting your money. They are misdirecting you as to who Baldwin was. Read his work, study it deeply, see past the warped narrative that they present. Baldwin is God's revolutionary voice.

[@riskrunner101]

James Baldwin was ahead of his time.

[@csilvermyst]

He is the reason we have the time we are in now.

[@Shanvind2302]

No he wasn't, he was at the right place at the right time, the world was too slow to accept the realities. The same goes for many who came before and after him.

[@johntucker3750]

One of the best discussions on race is Baldwin vs William Buckley. You can find it here on KZbin. Even half a century later Baldwin should still be super relevant.

[@honeyapple4511]

I only just started reading and learning about James Baldwin, and his voice is absolutely arresting. Before now I had never heard his name. Not in English classes, not by other people. How can that be?

[@davidwade4291]

The tragedy of main stream education, my friend!

[@humblehistory141]

This is the best episode I have seen on this channel, both in animation and content!

[@GameTimeOne]

James Baldwin will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@happynappydrj5238]

The video is terrific. I would only add that Mr Baldwin’s decision to stop preaching was also due to the economic inequality between the ministers and congregants. I was fortunate to have a class with him in college and to write my dissertation on his fiction. Mr Baldwin was simply brillant. He wasn’t able to attend college and frankly didn’t need anything but what he had: intelligence and a curious mind. He thought, contemplated, reasoned, and listened. If only we did the same......

[@iBEEFSUPREME]

Dope animation. Will never know the struggle he endured and the grind that was and still is for people in our society. Appreciate all he did to move us forward as human beings.

[@thenikhilray99]

Wow. The illustrations, colors and animation in this is amazing.

[@seewardone]

I have loved James Baldwin since I discovered his writing in middle school. He is truly an incomparable writer.

[@ksbalaji1287]

Thank you! Beautiful to look at and informative. Left me wanting more.

[@kurtadams3021]

Its a shame that schools don't teach you about this brilliant brother . I learned about Baldwin after I was out of high school

[@CaressaBrowArtistry]

I watched twice for just the animation alone. It is remarkable! Thank you for this mini ed video! James Baldwin was a very articulate and passionate voice for our people✊🏾

[@flipmode00]

I could watch him debate for hours. He has a brilliant mind.

[@Natalia-hf3et]

Brilliant

[@francoisbessing]

LOVE this. Told this man's story with beauty, creativity, and inspiration. Excellent!

[@anarquia201]

A bright mind always make the status quo forces nervous

[@Natalia-hf3et]

👍👍👍

[@littlegothgirl8869]

Indeed.

[@FxnkyFresko]

I discovered James Baldwin in Grad School, I read all his books. Rest in Power dear sensei!

[@TheModerndisciple]

Thank you so much for posting such a great video. Today after listening to 1A on NPR this morning I purchased James Baldwin Complete Essays following recommendation from guests at the show. Then I saw this great TED animation video that should be re-shared now more than ever. Thank you TED Ed!

[@saibhargav1508]

The animations are really good. It makes the content more appealing. Thanks for great content Ted Ed

[@oof-rr5nf]

Thank you! I did not know anything about Mr. Baldwin before this. This is a fantastic introduction. The voice over and animation are top notch as always, of course.

[@theboss297]

My favourite writer

[@Natalia-hf3et]

💜

[@cydre3401]

The way you have animated James’ movements is beyond me. That was so spot on I still replay 3:06 every time I watch this video

[@LittleBitVic]

My word, the animation is so stunningly beautiful and fluid. It looks like it had to be rotoscoping because the movements and the anatomy are so perfect and subtle. If it isn't, this artist needs a damn award and a film to animate!

[@hiddenhist]

I’m not sure if I’ve enjoyed a Ted-Ed piece so much in a long time. Truly, a masterpiece.

[@rcookie5128]

I love everything about this. The presentation, the message, the information, the animation, the music (gosh I like me some jazz), the historic context to give the information a weight!

[@zealoustipp1538]

James Baldwin was truly a prophetic legend of his time.

[@diamondgeezertunes]

J Baldwin is so relevant in today's society esp' right now with the outing of systematic racism. The man was way ahead of his time and we all can still learn fro him.

[@CarlosRiveraFernandez]

I read Beale Street in preparation for the movie and ended up falling in far deeper love with that book than I thought I would. Ultimately, Baldwin's treatise throughout like was that through understanding, we could coexist. How was that understand achieved? Love. And what a miracle it is to realize that you are loved.

[@ItsMe-ox8lm]

What an interesting person. And by the way, this is one of your best animations ever. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@serenasaystoday]

I'm doing a research paper on one of his stories and i just continue to be blown away by his gift.

[@shubha6954]

Thank you for the amazing videos TED-ED!

[@sakshaverma9979]

They always have stunning, planned out animation for their videos. Good things are always underrated.

[@saisandeep1027]

Guys the animations are so so good. You have outdone yourselves. Take a bow.

[@sreeramkumar7693]

Great content as always..

[@sanjeedabano8644]

"Not everything that is faced can be changed,but nothing can be changed until it is faced." James Baldwin

[@devikabagree7324]

The animation is spectacular✨ I love how you always manage to top yourself

[@tarun00948]

Anything less than 'perfect' will be a sacrilege to say for the work done on this video. 👏👍

[@mfundonkosi6927]

This whole video was a vibe. Thanks Ted

[@charityelaine448]

Lovely animation. Baldwin’s story is told so well in just 4 brief minutes.

[@sonyap8253]

I love these Ted-eds about artists. I share them with my hubby all the time. He is just learning so they are like cliff notes lol they are just so good! We want MORE!!

[@ZebraLives]

I love this animation. It's crazy that I stumbled onto this video when I am writing my essay on Baldwin.

[@imani1669]

This animation is amazing, I love James Baldwin

[@yannickkimenyi6807]

Animations, background music WOW😍! Ted-Ed you guys did a great job

[@string1414]

This is by far the most captivating animation that I've seen on a TED-ED video. I'd love to watch an entire movie animated like this about his life!

[@cyborgzulu2011]

One of the intellects this country ignored.

[@FoxyBoxery]

Didn't they listened to him tho?

[@guillermogutierrez-santana4446]

@@FoxyBoxery Yes but only the FBI to keep him in check and JFK and RFK because they were liberals.

[@FoxyBoxery]

@@guillermogutierrez-santana4446 And literally no one else?

[@oneilbuchanan8377]

@@FoxyBoxery they may have heard him but surely didn't listen

[@khalidbinwaleed5072]

That’s because he left his country and went to Paris

[@rossjaax]

Terrific animation that helped me know much more about James Baldwin’s in just a few minutes.

[@sp691]

i rewatch this so many times for the animation and narration

[@izzojunior]

The animation and artistry on this is amaaaaazing!!!!

[@SilBu3n0]

outstanding animation, voice, text, everything! thank you!

[@Nothin2seehere-e4z]

You taught us so much TED. You guys should have more subs.

[@chocofro3]

Even after a few years of admiring and praising this man, I'm still learning so much about him. And as an artist, I'm equally obsessed and amazed with this animation. I could watch tv shows in this style forever!

[@hsryu5569]

Ted Ed just won't stop with its unique animations. They always succeed in making it unique and it will never get boring.

[@mr.osmosis5713]

This video is just gold

[@ryigenchi]

The animation is fantastic. The quick synoposis was excellent. Great video.

[@jaydonm4634]

The movements and animation of Baldwin are so intrinsically him. This is phenomenal.

[@gudldj]

This is too beautiful, someone needs to produce another documentary about baldwin

[@KR-nv3ru]

Incredible animation. The style was stunning.

[@juheepark7123]

The video is awesome and this art style is stunning.

[@sfface46]

“We all want to be left alone,” just let’s us be here to enjoy life.

[@s0nukutty]

absolutely breathtaking animation!! whoever did it needs a raise!!

[@akhillian]

Agreed! Give them a raise!

[@micaelaccamarenaverd]

This whole video was refreshing, astounding.. just wow.

[@LeonardoDaVinci01]

I absolutely love this animation style. I don't know what it's called, but I love it!!

[@jackbarry7155]

This was really great. Thanks for making it.

[@aubreybryant5792]

well done. I'm glad I was assigned to read his work.

[@gravity_dog]

Wow the illustrationa and animation are gorgeous! Great piece.

[@amarelopiscante]

I wasn't expecting this amazing animation.

[@lydiasensei4957]

This ANIMATION is just beautiful!

[@igorknown8608]

ted-ed catched up with the rest of us 🙂 baldwin is a real icon. fantastic writer

[@Sol30486]

The animation is stunning please use this for all future Ted Ed videos

[@medardbitangimana4580]

Wow. What a video! The lesson is great too, of course.

[@JustinAkkerman]

i love everything about your vids theyre amazing!!!!

[@acatinny]

Wow, watching the Flannery O'Connor just a while ago, now seeing James Baldwin on this series, who were my favorite authors from my college years, all I can say is "Wow & Thanks." I remember that I was so intrigued by how he expressed his inner struggle to live his life as a double minority person in his fascinating stories. When I moved to NYC, James was still with us, and I attended his speech at the YMCA @Columbus circle, which was later replaced with Trump Tower. Since then, I have observed how this city has changed just like he did it in his days. Now I should write mine.

[@annastayziaa]

thank you for this

[@shalmali-379]

This animation is the best thing I've ever seen. I hope the animators get paid enough, this takes MONTHS.

[@AwayFromTheWorld]

Thanks for the history lesson. Looking forward to more.

[@heroinasytumbas3346]

Beautiful video, the animation is on point

[@MayurBharali]

Wow just wow what a masterpiece.❤️