It seems that fighting is a game where everybody is the loser.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background........Beside the waters of the Hudson" I feel my race. Among the thousand white persons, I am a dark rock surged upon, and overswept, but through it all, I remain myself. When covered by the waters, I am; and the ebb but reveals me again." How It Feels to Be Colored Me
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the complexity of racial identity and individual resilience.
In this powerful reflection, Zora Neale Hurston conveys the essence of her racial identity in contrast to a predominantly white environment. She uses vivid imagery to illustrate her feelings of being 'colored,' highlighting how she becomes more aware of her race when placed against a contrasting background. Despite the challenges and marginalization she faces, Hurston reaffirms her individuality and strength. The metaphor of being a 'dark rock' amidst a 'sharp white background' symbolizes her resilience and the acknowledgment of her uniqueness, suggesting that external circumstances do not define her identity.
Themes
IdentityRaceResilienceIndividualitySelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about diversity in educational institutions, this quote can highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating individual identities.
More from Zora Neale Hurston
All quotes →Lack of power and opportunity passes off too often for virtue.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
From barren brown stems to glistening leaf-buds; from the leaf-buds to snowy virginity of bloom…It was like a flute song forgotten in another existence and remembered again. What? How? Why? This singing she heard that had nothing to do with her ears. The rose of the world was breathing out smell. It followed her through all her waking moments and caressed her in her sleep.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Don't you realize that the sea is the home of water? All water is off on a journey unless it's in the sea, and it's homesick, and bound to make its way home someday.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh theyselves.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
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