We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
I believe it to be a fact that the colored people of this country know and understand the white people better than the white people know and understand them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that marginalized communities often have a deeper understanding of the dominant culture than vice versa.
James Weldon Johnson's quote highlights the complex dynamics of race relations, asserting that those who are subjected to discrimination possess insights about their oppressors that the oppressors themselves may lack. This understanding arises from lived experiences that offer perspectives on the values, prejudices, and behaviors of the dominant group, informing a nuanced awareness that often goes unrecognized by that group.
Themes
UnderstandingRaceCommunicationPerspectiveCulture
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions on racial dynamics and cultural understanding.
More from James Weldon Johnson
All quotes βThere are a great many colored people who are ashamed of the cake-walk, but I think they ought to be proud of it.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?
James Weldon JohnsonRead
The battle was first waged over the right of the Negro to be classed as a human being with a soul; later, as to whether he had sufficient intellect to master even the rudiments of learning; and today it is being fought out over his social recognition.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
It is a struggle; for though the black man fights passively, he nevertheless fights; and his passive resistance is more effective at present than active resistance could possibly be. He bears the fury of the storm as does the willow tree.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
Southern white people despise the Negro as a race, and will do nothing to aid in his elevation as such; but for certain individuals they have a strong affection, and are helpful to them in many ways.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
Similar quotes
We desperately need seers who can see through the mist- Christian leaders with prophetic vision. Unless they come soon it will be too late for this generation. And if they do come we will no doubt crucify a few of them in the name of our worldly orthodoxy.
Aiden Wilson TozerRead
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
William HazlittRead
Crazy Horse dreamed and went into the world where there is nothing but the spirits of things. That is the real world that is behind this one, and everything we see here is something like a shadow from that world.... It was this vision that gave him his great power, for when he went into a fight, he had only to think of that world to be in it again, so that he could go through anything and not be hurt
Black ElkRead
Volumes can be and have been written about the issue of freedom versus dictatorship, but, in essence, it comes down to a single question: do you consider it moral to treat men as sacrificial animals and to rule them by physical force?
Ayn RandRead
I do not believe in sex distinction in literature, law, politics, or trade - or that modesty and virtue are more becoming to women than to men, but wish we had more of it everywhere.
Belva LockwoodRead
I would argue that nothing gives life more purpose than the realization that every moment of consciousness is a precious and fragile gift.
Steven PinkerRead