The call for diversity is about recognizing that in order to be in the conversation come awards season, it goes back to the content that is being produced.
Mahershala AliRead
As young people, you want to see people who in some way look like you to some degree, because it makes it a little easier for you to aspire to take on the qualities of those people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Seeing role models similar to ourselves can inspire us to embody their positive qualities.
In this quote, Mahershala Ali highlights the importance of representation and role models for young people. When individuals see others who resemble them and display admirable qualities, it encourages them to aspire to those same characteristics, making personal growth and ambition more accessible and relatable.
Themes
RepresentationRole ModelsAspirationYouthIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about youth empowerment, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of diverse role models.
More from Mahershala Ali
All quotes →I think if you have any desire to be a leading man or to really carry some of these stories, there's this relationship that has to be cultivated with an audience. People have to be able to say your name.
Mahershala AliRead
To really be conscious of how long the journey is, be patient, push yourself, persevere, and always be working on your craft while waiting for your break. That's what I'm still working on, having done this for 20 years now.
Mahershala AliRead
Your life, your circumstances change, and you have to continue to grow as a person, and once you have means and opportunity, you have to make different choices to protect what you have.
Mahershala AliRead
To get to play someone who was in some capacity the King of Harlem, that meant something to me. Deep within my bones. I was inspired by the energy that I knew to be a real thing.
Mahershala AliRead
I remember clearly, when I was about 4, my Aunt Linda said, 'I'm not babysitting him no more. He's bad.' It was one of the first conscious shifts I remember making. I decided, 'I'm going to be good now.'
Mahershala AliRead
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