In "Between the World and Me," Ta-Nehisi Coates articulates the complex perspectives of African Americans in relation to white Americans. He emphasizes that many white individuals view black identity through a lens of sexuality and obscenity, failing to acknowledge the historical context of slavery. Coates argues that African Americans should not see themselves as the "problem" or burden of white society, nor should they accept a narrative that relegates them to a status defined by others' guilt.

Coates calls for a deeper understanding among African Americans of their shared history and identity, rooted in the painful legacy of trans-Atlantic slavery. He urges them to cultivate a broader consciousness that transcends racial definitions, framing their experiences as part of a cosmic struggle rather than merely a racial one. This awareness serves to strengthen their identity and unity, urging them to remember their roots and the collective bond they share as a resilient community.