We live in a society of an imposed forgetfulness, a society that depends on public amnesia.
Angela DavisRead
There is so much history of this racist violence that simply to bring one person to justice is not going to disturb the whole racist edifice.
Interpretation
True justice requires more than just individual accountability; systemic issues must also be addressed.
Angela Davis asserts that addressing racist violence necessitates a broader approach than merely holding one individual accountable. The quote highlights the deep-rooted nature of racism in society, suggesting that until the overall structure that preserves such violence is dismantled, true justice cannot be achieved.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech at a civil rights rally to emphasize the need for systemic change.
We live in a society of an imposed forgetfulness, a society that depends on public amnesia.
Well, we see an increasingly weaker labor movement as a result of the overall assault on the labor movement and as a result of the globalization of capital.
Racism is a much more clandestine, much more hidden kind of phenomenon, but at the same time it's perhaps far more terrible than it's ever been.
Imprisonment has become the response of first resort to far too many of our social problems.
It's true that it's within the realm of cultural politics that young people tend to work through political issues, which I think is good, although it's not going to solve the problems
Radical simply means 'grasping things at the root.'
Desire urges me on, while fear bridals me.
I was a milksop as a kid. I had no confidence, no guts. I felt I was going to be someone else someday - someone who didn't have my weaknesses.
My being a black woman is not a deficit. It is a strength. Because I could not be where I am had I not overcome so many other barriers. Which means you know I'm relentless, you know I'm persistent, and you know I'm smart.
Because of the lingering discrimination, many women still lack confidence. They live in fear of stepping beyond what they feel is acceptable 'female' behavior. I can remember feeling that I wasn't 'normal' because I was aggressive, had dreams and goals, and wanted do do great things...I am glad now that I found courage to do something radical and chase my dreams.
Heroes are people who rise to the occasion and slip quietly away.
Right out of high school I never had the fear of getting beat, which is how most people lose.
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