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Cities of Destruction 

A term used by E. Franklin Frazier, a Black sociologist in the first half of the 20th century. Frazier argued (and Baldwin reiterates to his nephew) that Black people were put into terrible locations so that they would not thrive, due to lack of resources, violence, lack of jobs, poor living conditions, etc. In “My Dungeon Shook,” Baldwin states that his nephew is part of the generation that will have to move on and overcome such a place.

The Innocents/My Countrymen

Baldwin uses these terms to describe white society at large. White society is described as “innocent” to point out the ignorant delusion that Baldwin believes white society operates under. He argues that they make decisions that are detrimental to Black people, but often believe they are being benevolent.

Integration

Baldwin does use this term for its standard definition, the end of racial segregation in the United States and the combining of all races of people in schools, businesses, public transportation, etc. In “My Dungeon Shook,” he also uses it to describe the pressure that white society places on James to become more like white people. Baldwin tells his nephew that he does not need to try to become more like white people.

A Gimmick

 Baldwin describes life as a Black youth in Harlem in the first half of the 20th century. He states that to avoid becoming a criminal or addict, one needed a gimmick “to lift him out, to start him on his way.” He states that it does not matter what the gimmick is, just that there was one. He describes gimmicks that he did not have the skills for (boxing, singing, dancing).

Spiritual Wasteland

Baldwin uses this term to describe the state of the United States in 1962. He claims that white people are in need of spiritual liberation, which can only be achieved by liberating and embracing Black people. Toward the end of “Down at the Cross,” Baldwin cautions that if this is not done, it will lead the country to ruin.

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