When the scary subject of race is finally broached, kids want to talk and talk. It's very satisfying.
Ruby BridgesRead
Racism is a form of hate. We pass it on to our young people. When we do that, we are robbing children of their innocence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Racism harms individuals and perpetuates hatred, affecting the innocence of children.
In this quote, Ruby Bridges emphasizes that racism is not only an expression of hate but also a harmful legacy passed down to future generations. By fostering a culture of racism, society robs children of their natural innocence, influencing their perceptions and interactions in a way that can perpetuate division and negativity. This highlights the need for awareness and change to protect the purity of childhood and promote acceptance over hate.
Themes
RacismHateInnocenceChildrenLegacy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one could use this quote to highlight the impact of racism on future generations.
More from Ruby Bridges
All quotes →I felt like there was something I needed to do - speaking to kids and sharing my story with them and helping them understand racism has no place in the minds and hearts of children.
Ruby BridgesRead
Schools should be diverse if we are to get past racial differences.
Ruby BridgesRead
I've seen schools in Detroit where the windows are broken, where there's no heat, and children are sitting with their coats on in class in the middle of a snowstorm. I've also seen schools in California with Olympic-sized swimming pools and cafeterias like five-star restaurants.
Ruby BridgesRead
Throughout my life, my prayers have actively sustained me - held me up, carried me through.
Ruby BridgesRead
My message is really that racism has no place in the hearts and minds of our children.
Ruby BridgesRead
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