Notes of a native son: The world according to James Baldwin - Christina Greer
1,147,756 Views
12,603 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
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.
The racial injustices and inequities in America drove Baldwin to leave the country. While he was abroad he thought and wrote about the racism and homophobia that was rampant in the U.S. Why do you think Baldwin was so determined to understand the ills of racism and homophobia? Do you think he would have better understood these issues if he stayed in America? Is there a different strategy Baldwin could have taken during this time, especially as a Black gay man? Are there certain circumstances that would change our opinion?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Christina Greer
- Director Jérémie Balais, Jeff Le Bars
- Narrator Christina Greer
- Animator Jérémie Balais, Jeff Le Bars
- Sound Designer Raphaël Pibarot
- Composer Johan Putet
- Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
- Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
- Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
- Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
- Script Editor Iseult Gillespie
- Fact-Checker Joseph Isaac