Even though my mother had told me growing up that, 'If you win, nobody cares what color you are,' that wasn't necessarily true in the N.F.L.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the disparity between personal beliefs and societal realities regarding race and achievement.
Warren Moon reflects on the lessons taught by his mother about winning and overcoming racial prejudice, emphasizing the stark contrast between her hopeful message and the harsh realities he faced in the NFL. Despite the belief that success would erase racial distinctions, he acknowledges that race still plays a significant role in how individuals are perceived and treated in professional sports.
In practice
During a speech about overcoming adversity, one might use this quote to highlight the complex relationship between race and success.
There are so many bad influences out there. I don't care if a kid is rich or poor, if he lives in a million-dollar house or the ghetto, he is going to find some sick things on the street. And if we don't clean it up soon, we're all going to pay the price.
In football, it's the ultimate team sport. You have to have good people around you as a quarterback for things to happen.
When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.
I've found that in places where women have not really been afforded full rights yet - for instance, in the Middle East - even very conservative politicians in the region will say, 'You know, my daughter would really like to meet you,' or, 'Would you send a note to my granddaughter?'
This industry is tough on relationships. I've always thought that my wife should have a credit up alongside mine because I couldn't do what I do without her support.
In the days that follow, he begins to remember things about Moushumi, images that come to him without warning while he is sitting at his desk at work, or during a meeting, or drifting off to sleep, or standing in the mornings under the shower. They are scenes he has carried within him, buried but intact, scenes he has never thought about or had reason to conjure up until now.
It is a happy thing that time quells the longings of vengeance and hushes the promptings of rage and aversion. I had left this woman in bitterness and hate, and I came back to her now with no other emotion than a sort of ruth for her great sufferings, and strong yearning to forget and forgive all injuries - to be reconciled and clasp hands in amity.
In fact, the class divide in the black community is now seen by some as a permanent aspect of our existence.
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