Although the African American community is much more progressive than it was, there are still fragments of the older generation that still resonate in the new generation. James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues" is a great literary example of how old meets new and parallels certain aspects of an African American's life in different ways. From parents and previous generations letting their siblings know that it is their responsibility to take care of each other, especially the youngest in the group, to not having the full support necessary to pursue their dreams because it is not considered practical enough, were all points that were discussed. realized in Baldwin's fiction that are still prevalent today. Although much progress has been made since the days of oppression, oral tradition never dies. “I’m not telling you all this to scare you or make you bitter or to make you hate anyone. I’m telling you this because you have a brother and the world doesn’t change,” said the narrator’s mother in reference to the relationship between him and his brother. Although many of the themes expressed in "Sonny's Blues" are still presented today, I have found this statement, which concerns the supervision of the younger sibling, to be one of the most profound and most profound oral traditions. commonly used in today's African-American homes. The narrator's mother was referring to the story of her husband's brother who was run over in front of him by a car full of white men, who didn't even stop to see what they had hit. Even though life as an African-American citizen is not as harsh as it was during the era in which "Sonny's Blues" takes place, we are still at a disadvantage. The murders of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis are two major examples of...... middle of paper ....... Think of something you can do in the meantime. You must earn your living” is an oral tradition that has been passed down in reference to this. Although "Sonny's Blues" is fiction, many of the things mentioned and themes presented throughout the story come from a real place. These themes are still present today. In conclusion, the quality of life for African Americans has changed over the decades, but the new generation can often parallel the older generation. Indeed, many things are kept alive and transmitted from generation to generation through oral tradition. There are just some things that will never die. Works Cited Baldwin, James. “Sonny’s Blues.” The Norton Introduction to Literature. Ed. Kelly J. Mays. 11th shorter edition. New York: WW Norton & Company, 2013. 95-118. Print.