People are often looking for the next best thing to replace what was in the past, or they are trying to figure out a way to drag down the present to promote the past. For example, think of the Michael Jordan and LeBron James debate. While each man is accomplishing greatness in his own right, there is always someone in society trying to pigeon hole them to a category they seem fitting. While both men share similarities, they’re their own individuals and should be appreciated for they brought/bring to the table.
This is no different from the comparison of authors James Baldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates. While the authors do share similarities: their black, lived in Paris, wrote stylistically similar books (The Fire Next Time and Between the World and Me), and have used their voice to expose the unjust treatment of African Americans in America. Unfortunately, the uniqueness and authenticity they bring to their craft has been analyzed and judged so that critics and people alike may determine where they think the two authors fit together.
In an article from New York Magazine, a journalist discussed how the editor of the New York received an email from Toni Morrison (Beloved author) stating, “Ive been wondering who might fill the intellectual void that plagued me after James Baldwin died” and that “Clearly it is Ta-Nehisi Coates.” While this is a huge endorsement for Coates, and gives current readers an opportunity to look into his work if they don’t know him. This compliment could also shine a light on him that could be slightly unfair. Baldwin was a national figure during the civil rights movement. His works are taught in classrooms. There have been two films made about him: The Price of the Ticket and I Am Not Your Negro. His status in contemporary conversations is held at the highest standard. Which is why I somewhat consider Morrison’s compliment unfavorable for Coates.
Not long after Morrison’s comment, Dr. Cornel West, another prominent figure in society (particularly in the African American community), wrote his own ideas on the Baldwin-Coates comparison. In a facebook post, Dr. West lets it be known that he believes, “Baldwin was a great writer of profound courage who spoke truth to power.”, whereas he sees Coates as “a clever wordsmith with journalistic talent”. Now to give Dr. West credit, he does imply Coates has a promising future ahead of him, but the idea of comparing the two great authors is naïve.
This debate has been covered in numerous articles (which I listed some more below). Yet, there is no clear evidence to point one way or the other. All readers have received is opinions on what the authors provided them, or how they fail to reach what the reader is yearning for. So it’s safe to say that, while James Baldwin has left a favorable legacy behind, and in some way has influenced Ta-Nehisi Coates, it is unfair to to hold Coates to the elevated position of Baldwin in history. Like watching LeBron James and what he has been able to do/is still doing, we should celebrate and appreciate Coates for what he is contributing to present, while still celebrating Baldwins work. Because at some point, we will most likely be looking for the person to fill the void Coates has left behind as well.
Some more Articles on the two:
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/08/why-ta-nehisi-coates-isnt-our-james-baldwin.html
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/07/james-baldwin-tanehisi-coates/399413/
https://www.popmatters.com/james-baldwin-matters-2495460781.html
http://inthesetimes.com/article/18242/fathers-and-uncles-baldwin-and-coates
Cornel West Delivers Blistering Takedown of Ta-Nehisi Coates—Michael Eric Dyson Responds
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