To be white in America is to have the confidence to say, without a second thought: this space, this neighborhood, this city, this county, this country is mine.
Joy ReidRead
Freedom is neither guaranteed nor automatic; not even in the United States. Left unguarded, it can slip away like a thief in the night.
Interpretation
Freedom must be actively protected; it is not a given.
This quote by Joy Reid emphasizes that freedom is not an inherent condition or a guaranteed right, even in nations that value it highly, like the United States. It warns that if not actively defended and maintained, freedom can disappear unexpectedly and without warning, much like a thief stealing in the shadows.
In practice
During a discussion on civil rights, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of protecting freedoms.
To be white in America is to have the confidence to say, without a second thought: this space, this neighborhood, this city, this county, this country is mine.
The work of anti-racism can only take place inside each individual soul, where we all try to grow into better people. There is no national tonic or instant cure.
To be white in America is to assume, with total self-confidence and little afterthought, the personal ownership of public spaces.
There is a twinge of abandonment that comes with being a member of the African Diaspora. But 'Black Panther' fearlessly introduces and then complicates this and other deeply held albeit rarely expressed emotions; that indeed is what makes this film so profoundly innovative.
For millions of Americans who happen to be black or brown, that core bond of trust with the government that governs closest to you, is too often broken.
I'll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. I mean really, no fear!
Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?
To change masters is not to be free.
The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world.
The United States gave me opportunities that my country of origin could not: freedom of the press and complete freedom of expression.
I was heartened that people everywhere want certain basic freedoms, even if they live in a totally different cultural environment.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.