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In the name of peace_x000D_ _x000D_ They waged the wars_x000D_ _x000D_ ain't they got no shame
Nikki Giovanni
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote critiques the hypocrisy of waging war under the guise of promoting peace.

Nikki Giovanni's quote reflects on the paradox of claiming to seek peace while simultaneously engaging in warfare. It highlights the moral shame associated with such actions, questioning the integrity and responsibility of those who justify violence in the name of a noble cause. The line suggests a deep disillusionment with rhetoric surrounding peace that is contradicted by violent actions, urging reflection on the true motives behind these conflicts.

Themes

PeaceWarHypocrisyShameIntegrity

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on social justice, one might quote this to emphasize the pitfalls of using violence as a means to achieve peace.

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Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we can’t drive, we will invent walks and the world will envy the dexterity of our feet. If we can’t have ham, we will boil chitterlings; if we are given rotten peaches, we will make cobblers; if given scraps, we will make quilts; take away our drums, and we will clap our hands. We prove the human spirit will prevail. We will take what we have to make what we need. We need confidence in our knowledge of who we are.
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If you were a pure bolt of fire-cutting the skies I'd touch you-risking my life-not because I'm brave or strong, but because I'm fascinated by what the outcome would be.
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Quote by Nikki Giovanni | QuoteProject