I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
Langston HughesRead
Even the 'Negro' shows like 'Amos and Andy' and 'Beulah' are written largely by white writers - the better to preserve the stereotypes, I imagine.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes the portrayal of African Americans in media, suggesting that it reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Langston Hughes highlights the issue of representation in media, specifically how shows like 'Amos and Andy' and 'Beulah' are created by white writers. This fact suggests that these portrayals are not authentic but rather vehicles for perpetuating stereotypes about Black individuals, indicating a deeper commentary on race and identity in America.
Themes
MediaStereotypesRepresentationRaceIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about diversity in media, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of authentic representation.
More from Langston Hughes
All quotes →My writing has been largely concerned with the depicting of Negro life in America.
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I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
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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 calm, Cool face of the river, Asked me for a kiss
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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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