Most blacks will argue that they excel because of hard work, because of intellect, determination, sweat, blood, tears and risk.
Jesse JacksonRead
The trouble is that nonviolence is so often defined as refusal to fight, and that is the American definition of cowardice. In fact, marching unarmed against the guns and dogs of the police requires more courage than does aggression. The perverted idea of manhood coming from the barrel of a gun is what keeps people from understanding nonviolence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nonviolence is often misunderstood as cowardice, but it actually requires great courage.
In this quote, Jesse Jackson emphasizes that nonviolent resistance is not a sign of weakness but a profound display of courage. He critiques the prevailing notion that equates masculinity and bravery with aggression and violence, asserting that true strength lies in the ability to stand firm against oppression without resorting to violence. By highlighting the bravery involved in facing armed opposition unarmed, Jackson challenges societal definitions of manhood and encourages a reevaluation of what it means to be courageous.
Themes
NonviolenceCourageStrengthPeaceResistance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on social justice, one might use this quote to advocate for peaceful protests.
More from Jesse Jackson
All quotes →Hold your head high, stick your chest out. You can make it. It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive.
Jesse JacksonRead
His foreparents came to America in immigrant ships. My foreparents came to America in slave ships. But whatever the original ships, we are both in the same boat tonight.
Jesse JacksonRead
Leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving.
Jesse JacksonRead
Look at the coded language the Right is using against President Barack Obama. Openly calling him a liar in Congress, saying he is 'not a Christian, he was not born here, he is not one of us.' That makes addressing such issues trickier for the first African-American in the White House.
Jesse JacksonRead
Many are observing Ferguson and witnessing the anger, demonstrations, looting and vandalism and calling for quiet. But quiet isn't enough. The absence of noise isn't the presence of justice - and we must demand justice in Ferguson and the other 'Fergusons' around America.
Jesse JacksonRead
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