Does social change come at the expense of the majority? No, no it does not. It does not cost them anything unless they were taking. Kids are not conditioned to be prejudiced, therefore, they are most responsive to social change because they seek to only benefit from it as the goals of social change are only to uplift the belittled.

The difference between self love and self obsession is a mindset. Self obsession is a concern with how you are, self love is an appreciation of who you are. Love is therefore not entirely directed and more importantly not exclusive. It can catch on, and doesn't cost anyone anything.

Being the only black kid in a class in Washington state made me stick out. Some times were innocent, like when we ordered ourselves from lightest to darkest skin and I was last. Other times felt striking like when we learned about slavery and everyone kept staring at me. There were distinct moments where I became the other that I can remember, and here Baldwin is echoing that sentiment.