Notes from America with Kai Wright

I wouldn’t be able to write in words how James Baldwin changed my life. And as we go through this time in America, I have been yearning to hear his words now more than ever. So I stumbled upon this podcast. And it is a great one. Also, there is a bookstore dedicated to Baldwin in New Orleans. Definitely check it out!!

As someone who is majoring in Psychology and Political Science, but who is required to take heavy Sociology classes, I would like to ask and Cottom a question. She states the White Male Political Patriarchy is afraid of beautiful Latino politicians because they are attracted to them. That’s a blanket statement and untrue. Also, VP Kamala Harris marrying a white man, and choosing a white man as her running mate (which I realize may NOT have been her choice COMPLETELY). Trump admits that AOC is attractive, and even calls her “Evita” “beautiful, always around the people, but a liar.” Yes, she does weaponize her beauty. Unfortunately, beauty fades, as society puts an expiration date of 22 on you. I love how we are seeing politicians NOT afraid to be beautiful. They made Jackie O wear hats even though she DESPISED them. And what do we know her for? The Pill Box Hat. Beauty is definitely a desired weapon of many, and achieved by few.

Six episodes talking to people who met Baldwin, know his work, are writers and critics themselves…offers a depth and level of reflection I didn’t know I needed. He was such a man of his time, and a tormented soul of his century, and he grappled with so much, long before the shortcuts of our recent generations of slogans. He returned to be such a worthy, striving public figure at such a critical time - these shows have been a good tribute, and both balm and inspiration in these crazy, noisy, divided, sometimes nonsensical times of our own.

Navel-gazing naive babble. You’ll hear a lot of “my truth” 😂