Tag: James Baldwin

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Whenever the topic of “white privilege” comes up, the near-universal response on the right is to bring up the existence of struggling white people. One often comes across a sepia-toned photograph of unkempt, underfed young white children, probably taken by Dorothea Lange, with the words “white privilege” emblazoned on it in scare quotes in the default Imgflip font. On the one hand, this meme works in our favor and is a clever way of stoking popular resentment toward the left. However, as an argument, it misses the point. (more…)

James Baldwin, who made a career out of being a black bellyacher. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

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Bellyaching is an argumentation tactic featuring overblown complaining, typically combining elements of whimpering with indignation. It’s rather like pouting, but often sullener than that. It’s done for a reason, of course. The usual object is to tug at the listener’s heartstrings. With enough repetition, perhaps it will even induce a guilt complex.

Note that bellyaching is not simple passive-aggressiveness, such as a moody girlfriend who says that she’s “Fine!” but clearly means nothing of the sort. (more…)

Production of Sophocles’ Antigone at the Classical Theatre of Harlem in 2018, starring Ty Jones and Alexandria King.

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After I graduated from college way back in the 1980s, I decided to return to my old high school to substitute teach for a while. Soon after beginning to sub, I asked the school’s theater director if at some point I’d be able to direct a play. (more…)