I used to be a discipline problem, which caused me embarrassment until I realized that being a discipline problem in a racist society is sometimes an honor.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the pride of standing against societal injustices despite personal challenges.
Ishmael Reed's quote highlights the complexities of navigating discipline issues within a context of racial discrimination. It suggests that while being labeled a 'discipline problem' may initially be perceived as shameful, it can also signify a refusal to conform to an oppressive societal structure, ultimately embodying a sense of honor in challenging injustice.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about overcoming societal challenges.
During the last decades, films about the black experience have been produced, directed, and even scripted by white men. Some of them are excellent. But most reflect George Bernard Shawβs warning that 'if you do not tell your stories others will tell them for you and they will vulgarize and degrade you.'
Writing poetry is the hard manual labor of the imagination.
I would love to see an athlete live their life in an authentic way, not feel that they have to hide, not feel that they have to be afraid, or live with shame - all the other things that go with being a closeted athlete. No human being should have to walk that path. But there is that fear of stepping forward.
In her heart she is a mourner for those who have not survived. In her soul she is a warrior for those who are now as she was then. In her life she is both celebrant and proof of women's capacity and will to survive, to become, to act, to change self and society. And each year she is stronger and there are more of her.
The devil smiles when we are up to our ears in work, but he trembles when we pray.
It hurts my head, but it's fine because it's something I do every day. You can't avoid the gymnastics questions.
When I was 10 years old, my neighbor died in front of me of an asthma attack, because he and his family were undocumented immigrants and his grandmother was afraid of what would happen if they called an ambulance for help.
Demons run when a good man goes to war. Night will fall and drown the sun when a good man goes to war. Friendship dies and true love lies. Night will fall and the dark will rise when a good man goes to war. Demons run but count the cost; the battle's won but the child is lost.
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