Don't you know that boys don't cry?' Adam grinned. 'Shall I tell you something I've only recently discovered,' I replied, not attempting to hide the tears rolling down my face and not the least bit ashamed of them. 'Boys don't cry, but real men do.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the strength it takes for men to express their emotions openly and authentically.
In this quote, the speaker challenges the societal norm that dictates that boys and men should be emotionally stoic and not show vulnerability. By acknowledging tears as a sign of authenticity and strength, the quote advocates for emotional openness and challenges traditional gender roles regarding masculinity.
In practice
During a discussion about gender roles in a workshop, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of emotional expression in men.
What I wanted to do was use literature and different kinds of stories and poems as a springboard, tapping into the creativity of our teens - I wanted teenagers to come up with their own creative responses to literature - using books themselves as a starting point.
I remember going into a bookshop, and the only book I saw with a black child on the cover was 'A Thief in the Village' by James Berry, and I thought, 'Is this still the state of publishing?' Then I thought, 'Either I can whine about it or try to do something about it.'
I hope to instill, in every child I meet, my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.
Children will go with any story as long as it's good, but white adults sometimes think that if a black child's on the cover, it is perhaps not for them.
History should belong to all of us, and it needs to include people from different cultural backgrounds. Otherwise, it risks becoming irrelevant to children, who could then become disenchanted with education.
I read a lot of highly unsuitable books for an 11-year-old. I was desperate to read as widely as possible. I thought, 'There are so many places I am never going to get the chance to visit, but I can if I read them.' And I did. I could go anywhere in the world - and off it - by reading.
I would rather clean than beg.
All adventures, especially into new territory, are scary.
You have to make more noise than anybody else, you have to make yourself more obtrusive than anybody else, you have to fill all the papers more than anybody else, in fact you have to be there all the time and see that they do not snow you under.
Courage and initiative come when you understand your purpose in life.
We all fear what we don't know - it's natural.
As the blowback against those who stand up for what is right thickens, I feel it is necessary to push forward with a relentless determination.
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