Everyone in the street where I grew up was given the same message: You can be anything; you can do anything. That wasn't extraordinary; that was ordinary for us. My folks didn't believe in black exceptionalism. There's nothing exceptional about 'You can have that, too' - except when it comes to justice. You can't have that.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the belief in limitless potential, contrasted with the systemic barriers to justice.
Yance Ford emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment where individuals are encouraged to strive for their dreams, highlighting that this was a normal experience in his upbringing. However, he poignantly draws attention to the inequalities present in society, specifically regarding justice, suggesting that while everyone is told they can achieve greatness, the reality is that systemic issues prevent equitable access to opportunities.
In practice
During a graduation speech to inspire students about overcoming obstacles.
I hope that audiences understand that there is a precariousness to black lives in this country that we need to address, that there has always been a precariousness to black lives in this country that we need to address. In fact, our country is built on the precariousness of black lives, the disposability of black lives.
God is not external to anyone, but is present with all things, though they are ignorant that He is so.
If God is dead, somebody is going to have to take his place. It will be megalomania or erotomania, the drive for power or the drive for pleasure, the clenched fist or the phallus, Hitler or Hugh Hefner.
Sometimes human places, create inhuman monsters.
That coarseness and strength combined with acuteness and inquisitiveness; that practical, inventive turn of mind, quick to find expedients; that masterful grasp of material things, lacking in the artistic but powerful to effect great ends; that restless, nervous energy; that dominant individualism, working for good and evil, and withal that buoyancy and exuberance which comes with freedom - these are the traits of the frontier.
What 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz' and 'World's End' do is smuggle a different movie under the guise of a zombie movie or a cop or alien invasion movie. Even though they all have action and carnage, they are really films about growing up and taking responsibility.
How can you respect the world when you see it's being run by a bunch of kids turned old?
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