Maybe you’ve seen it? An elegant bit of prose about love by one of our most adored and incendiary American authors. But there's a very big problem with this quotation.
Thank you for this, and I will join you in correcting this error when I see it. You demonstrate beautifully that it's not about pedantry, it's about acknowledging and celebrating who people actually are, even when (especially when) it's pricklier than some might prefer.
Thank you for pointing this out, Wayne Scott! I remember reading those words in a 2022 “Marginalian” essay, and thinking how James Baldwin might have loved a debate with Maria Popova. Or, honestly, how I, as a devotee of both Baldwin and Popova, would enjoy such a debate.
Thank you also for the reminder of how, like many queer teenagers, I read GIOVANNI’S ROOM—hoping for a clear-eyed love to break through, and some kind of happy ending for David and Giovanni. I remember throwing the book across my bedroom when I was twelve, hurt and shocked by the stark ending. And at thirteen, there I was, reading the book again, looking for some romantic essence that I knew I would not find.
Seeing the title, I thought this would be about another quote often misattributed to Baldwin: “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” Seems to come from 2015, by a screen name “Son of Baldwin,” Robert Jones, Jr.—also a Black, queer man and writer.
That’s right! Another one of the viral misattributions. I loved “Son of Baldwin.” I do think his sentiment is a little closer to the spirit of Baldwin himself.
I suspect for Baldwin ... especially after reading the new biography... was that he found that others could not sustain the love he needed to give them.
Thank you for this, and I will join you in correcting this error when I see it. You demonstrate beautifully that it's not about pedantry, it's about acknowledging and celebrating who people actually are, even when (especially when) it's pricklier than some might prefer.
Thank you for not only setting the record straight, but the analysis. I’ve learned a lot here. 🙏
Damn straight. Thanks Anthony!
Thank you for pointing this out, Wayne Scott! I remember reading those words in a 2022 “Marginalian” essay, and thinking how James Baldwin might have loved a debate with Maria Popova. Or, honestly, how I, as a devotee of both Baldwin and Popova, would enjoy such a debate.
Thank you also for the reminder of how, like many queer teenagers, I read GIOVANNI’S ROOM—hoping for a clear-eyed love to break through, and some kind of happy ending for David and Giovanni. I remember throwing the book across my bedroom when I was twelve, hurt and shocked by the stark ending. And at thirteen, there I was, reading the book again, looking for some romantic essence that I knew I would not find.
Seeing the title, I thought this would be about another quote often misattributed to Baldwin: “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” Seems to come from 2015, by a screen name “Son of Baldwin,” Robert Jones, Jr.—also a Black, queer man and writer.
That’s right! Another one of the viral misattributions. I loved “Son of Baldwin.” I do think his sentiment is a little closer to the spirit of Baldwin himself.
That's a fine piece and reflection thanks.
I suspect for Baldwin ... especially after reading the new biography... was that he found that others could not sustain the love he needed to give them.
The biography really brought home how emotionally intense he was, how much he demanded, how much he was disappointed in love.
This is awesome. Love James Baldwin. Thank you!