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America never was America to me And yet I swear this oath - America will be!
Langston Hughes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a disconnection from the ideal of America as it currently stands, while also stemming a hopeful determination for a better future.

In this poignant statement, Langston Hughes articulates his feelings of alienation from the American dream, reflecting on the disparities between the ideals of the nation and the lived experiences of marginalized individuals. Despite feeling that America has never truly represented him, he remains committed to a vision of a future where America lives up to its promises of equality and justice for all, embodying a blend of disillusionment and hope.

Themes

AmericaDreamHopeJusticeEquality

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during discussions about social justice movements.

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I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
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An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.
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The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it.
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