“All of us are chasing Baldwin—even if we don’t know it.” ~ Ta-Nehisi Coates

A distinguished American author, writer, social critic, James Baldwin (1924-1987) was the oldest of 9 children born in Harlem, N.Y.C.. Eventually he would move abroad, settle in France, and observe the distinct cultural differences he wrote about, as he taught and lectured at prominent American colleges and universities. “James Baldwin and The 1980’s: Witnessing The Reagan Era” written by Joseph Vogel is an important introduction to Baldwin’s religious, political, racial and cultural studies.

Cultural influence was easily manipulated by the media. President Ronald Reagan, the “great communicator” was first known as an actor in American Cowboy Western movies popular in the 1950’s-60’s. Reagan was celebrated and promoted as the ideal version of American manhood/masculinity (1980-88). Reagan was photographed at the white house with Michael Jackson, who sported an unusual military like uniform featuring high-water pants. The “freakish” differences between the two men were striking, and compared endlessly in the news media.
At the time Jackson hadn’t been acknowledged as the global phenomenon in black entertainment history he would become. Black entertainment was considered the “lower forms” of talent, music, movies etc. even as the work of Michael Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and later Eddie Murphy soared in popularity. Baldwin would despair in disillusionment over the tragic ending to so many black artists/professionals, entertainers: “The Price May Be Too High” (1969) in a white dominated industry. In Hollywood, the leading men were straight white men with glamourous white women: the racism, sexism and homophobia were glaringly apparent, according to Baldwin.

The most scathing criticism was reserved for the evangelical Christian church: Jerry Falwell’s Republican dominated Moral Majority through his Liberty University, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s PTL television Ministry with the enormous Disney Land Christian theme park, Pat Robertson’s 700 Club. These elite judgmental pastors knowingly lived in excessive wealth and luxury while so many of their followers lived in poverty. This (white) dominated Christianity; merged too closely with the popular media, conservative politics and capitalism—religion mass produced, packaged and sold. Christianity, Baldwin noted was “arrogant, intolerant and cruel.” though he recalled the celebratory style of the black churches he was raised in, his step-father was a minister.

Regarding the Atlanta Child Murders (1979-81) Baldwin noted that the guilty verdict of Wayne B. Williams believed to be responsible for all 28 deaths involving children, youth and young adults was false and inaccurate. Williams was actually linked and charged in only two murders. Public opinion was heavily influenced by Williams being racially profiled in the media as a “black gay man” and a “pedophile.” The black community had other ideas about possible suspects that didn’t include Wayne B. Williams. Curiously, the list of other suspects and possible affiliation through the KKK wasn’t fully investigated by authorities. There was a strong incentive and pressure by the police and prosecutors to “solve” the case, and Williams was an easy target and “Scapegoat” for all the child murders. If Williams wasn’t guilty of all these crimes, the actual murderers were never charged, the possibility of a cover-up is chilling as facts were likely changed, altered and/or distorted.

As a gay black man, Baldwin constantly reflected on the harsh and extreme differences between white America and black America. These differences could not be politely ignored. Baldwin, a visionary, realized with the loss of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, his voice was among the last of his generation to be heard; yet Baldwin’s powerful ideology remains with us today, represented in the increased interest and study of his writing and in the dignity and pride of Black Lives Matter. **With thanks and appreciation to the University of Illinois Press via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

I first learned about the work of James Baldwin when I recently watched the film I am Not Your Negro and was absolutely stunned by it. When I got the chance to read this book as an arc, I was delighted as I was eager to find out more about this man. I certainly wasn't disappointed, this book was a delight to read. Very interesting and informative, I would certainly recommend.

As the title of Vogel’s book suggests, we’re shown that Baldwin, while generally tied to the Civil Rights Movement, continued to create profound and arguably prescient work in the last decade of his life.

I’m admittedly still relatively new to his thoughts (something I’m working to correct at a neck-break speed), and Vogel has packaged together a read that’s simply stupendous in amassing his works, providing clear analysis to help understand and decipher, as well as adding context where required. It’s not a heavy or intimidating read, and Vogel’s writing style flows with ease, never leaving you behind or becoming unnecessarily bogged down with superfluous details.

Equally intriguing and worth mentioning is the brief explanation given on the rise of “televangelists” that occurs about halfway through. Their advent is shown juxtaposed against the opinions of Baldwin in one chapter, and it’s a humbling discovery or reminder, depending on who you are.

Being one of the great minds that died far too young, you might wonder what a guy like Baldwin thought of Reaganomics, Michael Jackson, or MTV. I mean, what kind of wisdom could he apply? Read Vogel’s book, and you’ll find out. I had a great time reading this. As with most anything you’d read that deals with attempts at racial harmony, prepare to absorb some information meant to, at the very least, compel, inspire, and disarm you.

In my opinion, this in-depth study of James Baldwin and his less popular years provided an insightful look into the life and existential outlook of an American literary Icon.

I enjoyed reading it, and I've been inspired to revisit some of Mr. Baldwin's masterpieces.

Giving this one 5 stars.

I definitely enjoyed reading more about James Baldwin, a figure who has always fascinated me. His story and his words remain important to know.

If I had to use only one word to describe Joseph Vogel’s book, that word would be thought- provoking. James Baldwin and the 1980s: Witnessing the Reagan Era is a fascinating book that stimulates discussion and careful consideration.

In this book, Joseph Vogel delves into Baldwin’s final decade of work and demonstrates how profoundly creative and engaged he was with social issues ranging from the Reagan’s war over the culture, the defence of patriarchy by embracing what he termed “traditional family values”, to the deterioration of inner cities and the disproportionate incarceration of black youth, and from pop-culture and gender-bending to the evolving women’s and gay rights movements.

The 1980s is an important time in the U.S. history. The Reagan administration has much to teach us about the state of play in the American society today. The deconstruction of that period can help us understand the U.S today, whether regarding race, gender, government, religion, capitalism, or the military.

“What is happening in this country? That’s the most important question”, asked James Baldwin in his 1963 astounding autobiographical account, The Fire Next Time. It is a question that it was relevant in the 1980s and it is still relevant today, and is as important a question to address as back in 1963.

For James Baldwin fans and PoliSci enthusiasts alike, this novel brilliantly illustrates Baldwin's thoughts and perceptions during the Reagan era using his own words and excerpts from his later work. Baldwin demonstrates clearly why his ideals were important then, as well as now. He's showing us that in 2017 not much has changed and that many of the issues of which he was so passionate are still at the forefront in race and politics today.

I think we're living through a time when it is especially important to rediscover words of people like James Baldwin. This book about Mr. Baldwin was eye-opening in many ways . I learned things I did not know, and was reminded of things I had forgotten. Excellent!