Freedom is neither guaranteed nor automatic; not even in the United States. Left unguarded, it can slip away like a thief in the night.
Joy ReidRead
There is a twinge of abandonment that comes with being a member of the African Diaspora. But 'Black Panther' fearlessly introduces and then complicates this and other deeply held albeit rarely expressed emotions; that indeed is what makes this film so profoundly innovative.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the complexities of emotions experienced by the African Diaspora and recognizes the innovative narrative of 'Black Panther' in addressing these feelings.
Joy Reid highlights the emotional challenges faced by members of the African Diaspora, particularly the sense of abandonment. She praises 'Black Panther' for its boldness in presenting and exploring these complex emotions, which contributes to the film's significance and innovation in the cinematic landscape.
In practice
In a discussion about representation in film, I referenced this quote to illustrate how 'Black Panther' challenges traditional narratives.
Freedom is neither guaranteed nor automatic; not even in the United States. Left unguarded, it can slip away like a thief in the night.
To be white in America is to have the confidence to say, without a second thought: this space, this neighborhood, this city, this county, this country is mine.
The work of anti-racism can only take place inside each individual soul, where we all try to grow into better people. There is no national tonic or instant cure.
To be white in America is to assume, with total self-confidence and little afterthought, the personal ownership of public spaces.
For millions of Americans who happen to be black or brown, that core bond of trust with the government that governs closest to you, is too often broken.
Some people have written that my writing has helped them go on. It has helped me too. The writing, the roses, the 9 cats.
What's the point of rap if you can't be yourself, huh?
The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you’re allowed to do whatever you like. (That may be a rule for life as well as for writing. But it’s definitely true for writing.) So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter.
What use having a great depth of field, if there is not an adequate depth of feeling?
The poet, the artist, the sleuth, whoever sharpens our perception tends to antisocial; rarely 'well adjusted,' he cannot go along with currents and trends.
For, I must tell you, in this world where today all lose their minds over many & wondrous Machines - some of which, alas, you can see also in this Siege - I construct Aristotelian Machines, that allow anyone to see with Words.
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