I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
To like an individual because he's black is just as insulting as to dislike him because he isn't white.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Valuing a person solely based on race is a form of prejudice, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.
E. E. Cummings highlights the absurdity of racism by asserting that both liking or disliking someone based on their race is equally disrespectful. He emphasizes the idea that one's character and worth should not be judged based on racial identity but rather on individual merit and humanity, advocating for a more profound understanding and appreciation of people beyond superficial attributes.
Themes
RacismPrejudiceDiversityEqualityRespect
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of equality in society.
More from E. E. Cummings
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Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
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