We wait till now? Now, when we're old men, we get to be brave?
Ernest GainesRead
Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights society's discomfort with same-sex affection compared to violence.
Ernest Gaines's quote prompts a reflection on societal norms and values, suggesting that cultural attitudes can skew our perceptions of acceptable behavior. The comparison between two men holding guns and holding hands serves to critique the acceptance of violence over love, pointing out the problematic nature of a culture that glorifies aggression but shuns vulnerability and affection.
Themes
CultureLoveViolenceAcceptanceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on the importance of acceptance, this quote can show the stark contrast between societal norms.
More from Ernest Gaines
All quotes βI was raised by a lady that was crippled all her life but she did everything for me and she raised me. She washed our clothes, cooked our food, she did everything for us. I don't think I ever heard her complain a day in her life. She taught me responsibility towards my brother and sisters and the community.
Ernest GainesRead
...my heart may have been in it but my soul was not.
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Everything's been said, but it needs saying again.
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Question everything. Every stripe, every star, every word spoken. Everything.
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