In real life there are indeed black people who have been in the middle class for generations, but in entertainment it's as if they don't exist.
Stephen CarterRead
When you shoot someone who is fleeing, it's not self-defense. It's an execution.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the moral implications of violence against those who are not a threat.
Stephen Carter's quote critiques the notion of self-defense, illustrating that when someone is harmed while retreating, it is an abuse of power rather than an act of protection. This statement calls for a reflection on the ethics of violence and the responsibilities that come with the right to defend oneself.
Themes
ViolenceSelf-DefenseMoralityEthicsPower
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on gun control, one might cite this quote to argue against excessive force.
More from Stephen Carter
All quotes βTo be black and an intellectual in America is to live in a box. On the box is a label, not of my own choosing.
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Teaching civility is an obligation of the family.
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