I didn't want to be a big star. I wanted to be a really good actor.
Laurence FishburneRead
Things have become considerably better for men of colour since I was born. But I'd say that we'll be really getting somewhere when things get better for women of colour.
Interpretation
Progress for men of color is important, but true equality will be achieved when women of color also experience improvement.
Laurence Fishburne emphasizes the need for social progress to include not only men of color but also women of color. While there has been significant advancement for men of color, the ultimate measure of equality and justice will be when all marginalized groups, particularly women of color, see meaningful improvements in their lives.
In practice
In a speech at a community event discussing racial equality.
I didn't want to be a big star. I wanted to be a really good actor.
I talk to nurses and programmers, salespeople and firefighters - people who bust their tails every day. Not one of them - not one - stashes their money in the Cayman Islands to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
The thirst for liberation and equality can never come at the expense of dehumanizing other marginalized groups - especially at a time when hate crimes against Jews have increased significantly.
If the market is left to sort matters out, social injustice will be heightened and suffering in the community will grow with the neglect the market fosters.
The recognized achievements of some Negroes, despite rigid racial barriers, indicate that society by its prejudices may be depriving itself of valuable contributions from many others. It is now doubtful whether America can afford the luxury of such a waste of human resources.
Almost certainly, however, the first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind.
I began to understand that not only was there was a social justice agenda, there was a policy agenda. For every justice campaign there was a policy initiative associated with it.
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