Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
/nɒt ˈɛvrɪˌθɪŋ ðæt ɪz ˈfeɪst kæn biː ʧeɪnd, bʌt ˈnʌθɪŋ kæn biː ʧeɪnd ʌntɪl ɪt ɪz ˈfeɪst/
[Speech] NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS FACED CAN BE CHANGED, BUT NOTHING CAN BE CHANGED UNTIL IT IS FACED. - Baldwin's Challenge
Confronting issues for change
James Baldwin highlighted the necessity of confronting difficult issues to effect change, stating "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." His writings on race, sexuality, and identity have profoundly influenced social and political thought.
Background
James Baldwin
Author and Social Critic
Various essays, mid-20th century
