What do you think Baldwin would have to say about today’s society if he were alive today? Do you think he’d have seen any improvement – in cinema, or in society as a whole - in the decade since The Devil Finds Work was written? How about representation at major award ceremonies like the Oscars, the Emmy’s, etc.
I would be interested in his reactions to the following films: Hidden Figures, The Help, Moonlight, Green Book and Black Panther, to name a few. Since that is not possible, I would like to know if anyone else has reviewed these films in a similar way.
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That’s such an interesting question-whether we have anybody now reviewing films the way Baldwin did. I suspect that if anyone is, the reviews are not in mainstream papers or magazines, though I wish they were.
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If Baldwin were alive today he’d probably say “I’m staying in Paris !”
Kidding aside, I think he would notice an improvement in film. I think he would still be cautious about society as a whole. And do think he would feel that several of the awards were long overdue.
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I would hope Baldwin would see that progress has been made.
I would think he would pleased there has been some improvements and gains, in general, but still feel the entertainment business is run by white society money and influence. Some films still follow certain stereotypes. Or the Black person(s), while entertaining people, are simultaneously, trying to educate society what Black issues important and whom is a Black person in our society. Historical fiction of stories that many never heard before is enlightening. I would like to know how the betrayal of his work “If Beal Street Could Talk” (2018). I would like to know his reaction to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. During his presidency, more good Black Films were made or remade. But when the truth about the experiences of people of color (non-whites) is not pleasant or difficult; it makes society feel guilty, shameful and disrespectful. Whites tend to feel uncomfortable and try to justify their actions/feelings or deny the story/facts. They want the story to reflect them with good, noble or admirable behavior or intentions, that is negatively. But if we are truthful, all humanity despite race and ethnicity, can be ruthless, selfish, power, sociopaths and do the unthinkable. And there will always be those who are kind, loving, caring and much more. It just seems evil is winning over good.
I think Baldwin would find a positive improvement in society since the writing of “The Devil Find Work.” Specifically, I think he would be pleased to see the diverse representation not only in film and in award ceremonies, but also in literature, music, and politics. Just like Tonyia_Robinson stated, I would also like to see his reaction to learning about President Obama or Vice President Harris.
A few months ago I would have said that many important strides have been made in my lifetime-I’m 76-but now I think much of it is being lost and I could just cry. So many laws were passed and I have seen growth in attitudes and actions and equality was a thing to strive for, now being erased. I just don’t understand it. genetically there is no basis for race but socially race is a part of our lives. As we have learned more about our history and origins I thought we would grow in understanding and kindness and equality but we seem recently to be going backward and getting more ignorant instead of less. I think Baldwin would still find himself struggling because of his race and being gay.
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