James Baldwin - Notes of a Native Son

“Notes of a Native Son” by James Baldwin is a very interesting yet depressing article to read. James Baldwin writes about the accounts of his father’s death and how this is linked with the discrimination towards African Americans in the United States. Throughout the account, clear descriptions of discrimination are demonstrated and the author himself experiences a threat of life. The relationship between the author and his father is what James Baldwin wants to tell the audience. James doesn’t have a good relationship with his father and he doesn’t believe what his father says about dealing with white people. After his father’s death, James then recalls from his memories the bad experiences he went through and connected them with his father’s words. What I believe is most important comes in the last paragraph. I sincerely agree with the author that people only cherish things when they lose them. I have lost many things and many chances, so I will never give up a chance when it comes up.