A response to James Baldwin
Introduction
Art for the longest time now has been the reservoir and emblem in which human thoughts, feelings, attitudes and experiences is encrypted. Through the use of artistic language, artists opine the activities and happenings that surround them and how they impact humanity. It’s in this knowledge and appreciation that James Baldwin sets the play. The murder of Emmet Till in Money, Mississippi and the manner of how the case was handled propels the playwright to reflects on the institutionalized racial bigotry and injustices in the criminal systems for the black race. Through the use of correct setting and candid stylistic devices, the play provides a fundamental understanding of the problem of racism, white supremacy and the institutionalization of some injustices like racism, among others. This paper is an attempt to disseminate such thematic concerns and give a critical response on the same.
First and foremost, the play tackles a vital issue of the American justice system that has been marked with the historical perpetuation of injustices that it’s supposed to eradicate. The composition of the jury, that is to say, the all-white jury has not only been a debate for decades now but also influential in the determination of cases that are brought before them. For instance, in the play, Lyle Britten has two murder cases on his hand. The one for Old Bill who he killed because of the love affair with Willa Mae, which goes unnoticed. The second murder of Richard Henry of a black citizen who was unarmed and non-violent is another testimony in this case (Baldwin, 1964). In both cases, there is the acquittal of a criminal no because of lack of proof but because of race entitlement and nothing else. Indeed, when Parnell being aware of the justice system tells Lyle, he will not be convicted even despite the criminal matter at hand. This is justification on the need for a balanced jury in the hearing of criminal cases and there resulting determination in a racially divided country.
Also, the playwright outlines most vividly the humiliations and the suffering that racism has on the white people who champion for a balanced racial equation within different dimensions of the society. In the play, Parnell James, a white character, is confronted by the white people on how he was covering the upcoming trial being the editor of a local newspaper (Baldwin, 1964). Also, he is mocked for suggesting that there should be black people incorporated in the jury during the trial Richard. Ideally, the reason for mocking is the belief on white supremacy and entitlement and therefore should not be extended to an inferior race, the black race. Further, in the characterization and portrayal of Parnell James, it’s possible to see that despite the deep-rooted culture of white supremacy and racism, there are still people who will champion for what is right despite the colour of the skin. For instance, the decision by Parnell to join the black after conscious dissatisfaction on how the case was handled is a justification that everyone should champion equality and justice
Lastly, the apparent implication of racism is that it causes fear among the confronting racial communities. At Papa D’s bar, for instance, Richard brags about sleeping with white women and is warned by his friends Pete and Juanita to hide the pictures because it will put him trouble. In such light and precise manner, it’s possible to see the mistrust that is caused by fear among each camp and can be done as ana explanation of the deteriorated social relations among the white and the black communities. Additionally, the white at Jo Britten’s home
Summarily, the play “Blue for Mister Charlie” centres on the theme of racism, it’s institutionalization and its far-reaching impact o both racial divides. As such, it provides readers with an insightful understanding of even the present challenges of racism facing America.