"Sonny's Blues"
By James Baldwin
In order for something to become "currency" it must have the following components. First and foremost; it must have worth, either externally or internally. Secondly it must be beneficial for something else.
The concept of currency is prevalent in James Baldwin’s short story "Sonny’s Blues." The narrator, Sonny’s Brother, has been conditioned by the dominant social paradigm into believing that salvation is found through the attainment of the "American Dream." What this equates to is that Sonny’s brother has gained the world yet lost his soul. The brother constantly saw Sonny as a failure because he did not adhere to the same social conventions as him. He did not see his brother as currency. On the other hand, Sonny saw himself differently. He did not particularly see his salvation as having a degree and a nine-to-five job. Being an outlet for many, music soon engulfed Sonny. Sonny began to teach himself how to play the piano, constantly practicing, and listening to other pianist. After years of trials and tribulations, Sonny invited his brother to come see him perform. At that performance, the brother realized that Sonny had currency. He saw the emotion within his music and experienced them also. He, for the first time, saw Sonny with worth although it had been there all along.
--Tim A.
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