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It is a struggle; for though the black man fights passively, he nevertheless fights; and his passive resistance is more effective at present than active resistance could possibly be. He bears the fury of the storm as does the willow tree.
James Weldon Johnson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Passive resistance can be a powerful form of fighting against oppression.

This quote speaks to the effectiveness of passive resistance in the face of oppression, particularly highlighting the strength and determination it takes to endure struggles without resorting to violence. Johnson draws a parallel to the willow tree, which bends under pressure but remains unbroken, symbolizing resilience amidst adversity.

Themes

Passive ResistanceStruggleStrengthOppressionResilience

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about civil rights movements to emphasize the power of nonviolent resistance.

More from James Weldon Johnson

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.
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There are a great many colored people who are ashamed of the cake-walk, but I think they ought to be proud of it.
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O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?
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The battle was first waged over the right of the Negro to be classed as a human being with a soul; later, as to whether he had sufficient intellect to master even the rudiments of learning; and today it is being fought out over his social recognition.
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I believe it to be a fact that the colored people of this country know and understand the white people better than the white people know and understand them.
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Southern white people despise the Negro as a race, and will do nothing to aid in his elevation as such; but for certain individuals they have a strong affection, and are helpful to them in many ways.
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