hackertube.io

James Baldwin vs William F Buckley: A legendary debate from 1965

Aeon Video · talk · Watch on YouTube

Social issues & cultureWorld historyFree speech, censorship & civil liberties

What it is

The 1965 Cambridge Union debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley on race, justice and history in America. Baldwin argues that the American dream came at the expense of Black Americans.

Why Hacker News recommends it

Held up as a classic debate with a clear winner and Baldwin's powerful oratory, still relevant today.

  • 3 people recommended it
  • 3 different months
  • 2 strong recommendations
  • first 2020, last 2023

What HN commenters said

  1. “I'd also recommend watching Baldwin's debate with William F Buckley.”

    1965 Baldwin and Buckley debate with clarity still relevant today

    BoiledCabbage, 2020-06 · Strong recommendation · in “The history that James Baldwin wanted America to see”

  2. “he mesmerises the audience by telling them what it's like to grow up black in America not even knowing you're black”

    Baldwin's Cambridge appearance on growing up black in America

    wombatmobile, 2021-02 · Strong recommendation · in “James Baldwin, Here and Elsewhere”

  3. “I think it might be worth it to watch a classic of the 'free debate' genre”

    Classic debate where Buckley comes across weakly against Baldwin

    pasabagi, 2021-04 · Recommendation · in “New evidence that British workplaces are losing viewpoint diversity”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: james baldwin, william buckley, debate, civil rights, rhetoric

Also recommended by the same people