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Race is a constant factor in American life. Yet reacting to every incident,real or imagined, is crippling, tiring, and ultimately counterproductive.
Condoleezza Rice
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that acknowledging race is essential, but overreacting to every racial situation can be detrimental.

Condoleezza Rice's quote highlights the reality that race is an inescapable part of American society. However, she argues that constantly responding to every racial incident, whether genuine or perceived, can be exhausting and ultimately unhelpful. It advocates for a more thoughtful approach to addressing race rather than one steeped in emotional reaction.

Themes

RaceReactionLifeAmericanCounterproductive

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion about social justice at a community meeting.

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Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same.
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What the United States has done is to be open to people who are fleeing tyranny, who are fleeing danger, but we have done it in a very careful way that has worked for us.
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For the United States, supporting international development is more than just an expression of our compassion. It is a vital investment in the free, prosperous, and peaceful international order that fundamentally serves our national interest.
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Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same. If you are too attentive to the former, you will most certainly not do the hard work of securing the latter.
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Does anybody think these people were just sitting around drinking tea?
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