For some reason, we're brainwashed to think if you're not a thug or an idiot, you're not black enough. If you go to school, make good grades, speak intelligent, and don't break the law, you're not a good black person.
Kids are born into the situation they're born into, and obviously, they have no control over that. And we, as adults, it's up to us to take care of kids - that's part of your moral responsibility. I always tell people, 'There's two groups we should take care of - old people and young people.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
Children are born into circumstances they cannot control, and it's our duty as adults to care for them.
This quote emphasizes the moral obligation that adults have to provide for and protect the younger generation. It highlights the idea that children do not choose their circumstances at birth, and thus, society has a responsibility to support them, much like we should take care of the elderly, who also require attention and care. Barkley advocates for a compassionate approach towards the vulnerable members of society, underlining the importance of collective responsibility for the well-being of both youth and seniors.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a charity event speech addressing children's welfare.
More from Charles Barkley
All quotes →Kids are great. That's one of the best things about our business, all the kids you get to meet. It's a shame they have to grow up to be regular people and come to the games and call you names.
What I told [my teammates] after the game was I'm just fortunate [for] my 16 years because, this [injury] can happen every single night you go out and play... It can be over in one instant, so you should appreciate everyday.
I don't believe professional athletes should be role models. I believe parents should be role models.
I don't believe professional athletes should be role models. I believe parents should be role models.... It's not like it was when I was growing up. My mom and my grandmother told me how it was going to be. If I didn't like it, they said, Don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out. Parents have to take better control.
I always laugh when people ask me about rebounding techniques. I've got a technique. It's called just go get the damn ball.
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I know my father and my mother, but beyond that I cannot go. My ancestry is blurred.
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It doesn't matter how old you are or what you do with your life, you will never stop needing your mum. And I will never stop needing mine, so thanks, Mum.
When my mother left home, her family sat shivah for her, more because my father was not Jewish than because he was black.
Sadie," he said forlornly, "when you become a parent, you may understand this. One of my hardest jobs as a father, one of my greatest duties, was to realize that my own dreams, my own goals and wishes, are secondary to my children's.
The place of the father in the modern suburban family is a very small one, particularly if he plays golf.