James Baldwin's In Go Tell It On A Mountain

1.) Based on what I’ve learned about James Baldwin, I’d say he’s an optimist. James Baldwin has such a positive outlook on life and makes decisions knowing the risk factors, and anticipates a positive outcome. Based on his experiences, he is largely aware of the battle with identity, the adversity of being black in America, yet he unquestionably writes to expose these things to establish a path for individuals knowing the controversy behind it all. Baldwin’s writings’ were brutally truthful as it entailed things that were recurring within the black community and he continued doing so because he was hopeful it would establish some kind of medium. James Baldwin went above and beyond, as a black, homosexual writer he went “outside” the box and
freely wrote to make people aware knowing it would stir the minds of others. The best thing was he continued doing it because of his optimism, because he believed he could find that equilibrium for blacks that they longed for. Ensure that they can have a safe heaven. I think somewhere along the line of his writings, James Baldwin had confidence the black world would be revolutionized hence he continued to confront societal issues, racial oppression, the quest for identity because he knows what the battle is like and sought to change it. There’s no doubt James Baldwin is an optimist. He did things other writers wouldn't do because they feared consequences and critique, unlike James Baldwin who was confident his writing would be a driving force for reformations.

2.) In Go Tell It on a Mountain, religion is so prevalent, why is it?
From the beginning of the novel to the very last page, religion seems to be an anchor that keeps everyone grounded. Whenever everyone hits a rough patch or are faced with obstacles that seems out of reach, religion becomes the biggest guidance and support they have. Everyone within the novel is religiously attending church and I strongly believe it’s the only place of outlet for them, whether it’s for difficult times or happy moments. Expression through worship establishes a sense of morality as everyone maintains religion as a guideline for life. It’s amazing how everyone seems to sin like no other but still, on a Sunday morning they’re in their finest dresses and suits, singing, dancing, and praising the lord. I feel the reason everyone is so devoted is because they are aware of their wrong doings but instead of asking for forgiveness, they’re turning to religion to reinforce values and morals to prevent them from committing the same sins in the future. Although it seems to be by choice to commit the sins which occurs regardless, religion seems to be used as a concealment of the sins that one has committed. The hopes or thoughts of attending church might give a gratifying feeling as one hopes that they will be forgiven for their sins even if the extent of the sin is far beyond being forgiven. With that being said, I also thing religion is prevalent within the novel because everyone attending church brings everyone
together.

3.) James Baldwin has definitely changed my worldview. What’s remarking is how an individual who has endured so much, instead of dwelling on it everyday he coped with it by writing about it and making everything concealed be heard. James Baldwin’s writings exposed how hostile and belligerent the world can be. Hearing the things he has endured makes me question the way the world is today. Endless things occurring in the world today, questions we all have and answers we all want but no one is doing anything because everyone’s scared. One thing I learned from James Baldwin’s writings is that he never stopped fighting and that’s something we have to learn to adopt. I feel like sometimes if we do put up a fight for certain things, the minute we get shut down everyone just gives up and that gets us nowhere. James Baldwin’s writing changed my worldview because I realized sometimes we have to be more open minded. We have to be welcoming to ideas, issues, and solutions. Most times we are prejudice and biased towards other peoples’ view on various things that we tend to disregard it. However, that should not be the case. I also realized that sometimes it takes times to figure out who we are as a person. We are faced with obstacles at different points in life that causes us to lose a sense of identity and that’s okay. Sometimes we need to go on that quest to remind our who we are or to figure we aren’t that, we’re this. The point is, James Baldwin’s writings changed my worldview by making me realize we have to be receptive to certain things and it okay to be accepting.

4.) James Baldwin’s essay “In Search of A Majority,” there’s an emphasis on the word identity. This is very much relatable to the novel as throughout John is on a quest for identity. Growing up, John has hidden behind his father so much that he’s at a point in his life where he’s having a hard time distinguishing his father’s ideals from his. For a long time, John followed what was expected of him but now it’s time to branch off on his and he’s aware that its okay but he’s unable to pursue what he wants to because he does not know what it is he wants. The increasing battles around John makes it much more difficult to find who he is because he feels he much adjust himself to please everyone around him. Now that he’s branching off, he’s unsure of what he wants. I think that’s sad. It’s difficult when you’re left to fend for yourself as you’re trying to find an identity for yourself as you’re influenced by so many outside factors when you were living under a shadow. The emphasis on this word “identity” is very stressful I’d say because now John has to develop characteristics and behaviors that are unique and sets his aside from everyone to displays he’s his own person. John puts up a strong fight and his quest for an identity expresses characteristics of someone who is becoming his or her own person. They no longer want to live in someone else’s shadow and want to live up to their own expectations and no one else's.