I pray with my whole soul that the divide-and-conquerers among us will not triumph over us. We need each other in this world so desperately.
Ruby DeeRead
You should always be prepared to win. But as much as I tell myself that, I've accepted another kind of role. Racism undercuts expectation, something like that. I'm not saying that to excuse myself from anything, but I've lived all this time, and things don't happen.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Preparation for success is key, but societal issues can challenge expectations.
Ruby Dee's quote reflects the juxtaposition of ambition and the harsh reality of racism, which can undermine one's expectations. While she emphasizes the importance of being ready to achieve one's goals, she acknowledges the impact that systemic racism has had on her experiences, suggesting that despite preparation and hard work, success can be hindered by societal barriers that are often beyond individual control.
Themes
PreparationRacismExpectationSuccessCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming societal challenges.
More from Ruby Dee
All quotes →We both grew up in the atmosphere of struggle, both Ossie and me, ... I come out of Harlem and Harlem comes out of me - wailing police sirens and street parties, rumors and landlords, that cultural, spiritual scene. And Ossie came up from the South, where struggle and dying were part of everyday life. That is who we are.
Ruby DeeRead
I respect the fact that a director has studied the text and the road map of work before us, the subtleties, interconnections, underpinnings... His job is to paint the entire picture and knows all the colors that have to be in it.
Ruby DeeRead
See, I don’t expect to win a prize for stoic control and dignity at mourning time. Death deserve tantrums. Beating back shocked indignation, kicks in the groin, stones, classified unacceptable, not to be tolerated, not to be wooed, not to be conspired with. Only then can music, dance, movies, plays, rap be about life. Only then can life be cherished and adored.
Ruby DeeRead
I never thought about myself as an activist when we were coming along. I love the people I love. I didn't care whether they could be a Democrat, Republican, communist... anything but a racist.
Ruby DeeRead
When I was young, I dreamt of being a starlet in Hollywood. But there comes a point in every African American's life when you realize the limitations, that you could only play maids or some little supporting role. Even Lena Horne couldn't get good parts.
Ruby DeeRead
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