A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
Malcolm XRead
We won't organize any black man to be a Democrat or a Republican because both of them have sold us out. Both of them have sold us out; both parties have sold us out. Both parties are racist, and the Democratic Party is more racist than the Republican Party.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Malcolm X emphasizes a disenfranchisement felt by black individuals towards both major political parties, highlighting their perceived betrayal.
In this quote, Malcolm X expresses frustration with the American political system, claiming that both the Democratic and Republican parties have failed to represent the interests of black Americans. He asserts that both parties are guilty of racism, but suggests that the Democratic Party is particularly hypocritical in its treatment of black citizens, having historically promised support while delivering betrayal. This underscores a call for black empowerment and self-organization outside of traditional party affiliations, advocating for a critical reevaluation of political loyalty.
Themes
PoliticsBetrayalRacismEmpowermentMalcolm X
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is ideal for discussions on political representation at a community meeting.
More from Malcolm X
All quotes →I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.
Malcolm XRead
When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
Malcolm XRead
So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have — and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth — you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
Malcolm XRead
Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
Malcolm XRead
Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Malcolm XRead
Similar quotes
Don't get mad. Don't get even. Just get elected, then get even.
James CarvilleRead
Republicans don't like people to talk about depressions. You can hardly blame them for that. You remember the old saying: Don't talk about rope in the house where somebody has been hanged.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Like the effect of advertising upon the customer, the methods of political propaganda tend to increase the feeling of insignificance of the individual voter.
Erich FrommRead
You mention the Navy, for example, and the fact that we have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets.
Barack ObamaRead
The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states.
Barack ObamaRead
Everybody counts in applying democracy. And there will never be a true democracy until every responsible and law-abiding adult in it, without regard to race, sex, color or creed has his or her own inalienable and unpurchasable voice in government.
Carrie Chapman CattRead