Where Did They Go?: A Specific Reaction To The Film 'I Am Not Your Negro'

In December, my book club read the essay 'The Fire Next Time' by James Baldwin. Before picking up this book, I had never heard of James Baldwin. Initially, I just bought the Kindle edition of the book. Then, after reading it, I felt compelled to purchase the paper copy so I could underline and highlight and reread and digest this man's words. If you've never read Baldwin, I could not recommend his work more. He is both beautifully eloquent and highly relatable.

When we heard that Raoul Peck was making a film based on the writings of James Baldwin AND that it was being shown in our city, we agreed that our book club should see it. Frankly, I wasn't sure what to expect from this film. Even now, a week later, I am still working through the feelings that were stirred within me as I watched this film. Tonight I want to zero in on the imagery which left the biggest question in my mind.

'I Am Not Your Negro' is set in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The majority of the film is comprised of historical photos and footage. The images that struck me most powerfully were not the lynchings or the "Whites Only" signs. The pictures that wrenched my heart were those of Angry. White. Faces. I saw a snide smirk on a white man's lips as a black man was being mercilessly beaten in front of him. I saw cruel pride as a white man in a white t shirt poured food and milkshakes on the head of another human being...the men standing next to him were enjoying the spectacle. I saw righteous indignation on the faces of thousands of white people as they "bravely" stood up for white supremacy and segregation.

Time and again my mind was overwhelmed with this thought..."where did all of these angry white faces go?"  My PARENTS were alive during the 60s. I am not even a generation removed from these images. Surely, they didn't all just change their minds and decide not to be white supremacists. So...where did they go?

If you are a veteran of the Civil Rights and racial justice fights, please forgive my naivete. You might even chuckle now as I share this truth that dawned on me in the dark aisles of my local art house theater.

Friends...white friends specifically, *whispers* these angry white faces didn't go anywhere.  In the next few days and weeks I will explore with you what I think Angry White Faces look like in the 21st century. .