America is known as the land of the free. While this may seem cliché, we like to believe that our nation is perfect in every way, founded on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for every individual, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, those who believe this to be entirely true are somewhat deluded. Minority groups in our country have been fighting for their freedom since the country was declared independent in 1776. Author James Baldwin focuses on one specific group in his writings: African Americans. In his book, The Price of a Ticket, he brilliantly provides insight into the struggle of African Americans against racial discrimination in the United States. James Baldwin faced many adversities in his life. Everywhere in America he has been forced to deal with racism because of the color of his skin. It was difficult for him to be taken seriously as a writer. He writes: “I left America because I doubted my ability to survive the raging color problem here. (I still do sometimes.) I wanted to avoid just becoming a nigger; or, even, simply a black writer. (“Discovering What It Means to Be American” 171). He decided that he needed to continue his writing in France; a country more tolerant towards African Americans. Baldwin's writings show his opposition to this racism. White people make assumptions about African Americans based on the way they speak. He writes: “To open one's mouth in English means (if I may use black English) 'to put one's business on the street.' You confessed your parents, your youth, your school, your salary, your self-esteem and, alas, your future. (“If Black English is not a language, then tell me, what is?” 650). He's been writing... in the middle of the paper... for quite a while since then; our country is now led by an African American, something Baldwin probably never imagined would actually happen. On the other hand, perhaps those who believe that African Americans have finally achieved equality are simply ignorant. A great deal of racism still happens in our country, and for that matter, in our world, every single day. It is possible that, no matter how hard we try, Baldwin's vision will never be realized. Works Cited: Baldwin, James. “The price of the ticket. James Baldwin. New York, NY: St. Martin's/ Marek, 1985. "Discovering What It Means to Be an American." 171-76. “If Black English is not a language, then tell me, what is?” 649-52. "The American Dream and the American Negro." 403-08. “White Racism or World Community.” 435-42. “Words of a Native Son.” 395-402.“Notes of an indigenous son.” 127-146.