Anger and hatred are largely the causes of racism, and as such, Baldwin wants the black community to see that they are no better off than racist Americans if they succumb to their anger and lash out in response. A better way to address their anger and outrage. Theme: Communication Throughout both essays, Baldwin implores a new level of communication and understanding between black and white Americans. Americans must step out of their narrow way of thinking, thinking fueled by Christianity and its status quo belief system. To baldwin, what is the best way to overcome the negro problem? Ultimately, Baldwin suggests to the reader that perhaps the best way to transcend the 'Negro Problem' is for America, all of America, both blacks and whites, to transcend its own ways of thinking. By adhering to a faith where one cannot challenge anything from fear of disrupting the established order, Americans will not be able to change, even if they want to. Baldwin attacks the individual and collective truths that Christianity preaches, and cites America's blind belief in these tenets as destructive.

Baldwin finds that Christianity's view on life itself is what binds Americans to the status quo. What does Baldwin believe christianity does? Baldwin again takes issue with the narrowness of Christianity, and comments on how it limits Americans, making them, both blacks and whites, delusional.

The fire next time sparknotes