I pray with my whole soul that the divide-and-conquerers among us will not triumph over us. We need each other in this world so desperately.
Ruby DeeRead
When I was young, I dreamt of being a starlet in Hollywood. But there comes a point in every African American's life when you realize the limitations, that you could only play maids or some little supporting role. Even Lena Horne couldn't get good parts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the limitations faced by African Americans in the film industry, highlighting the struggle for representation.
Ruby Dee's quote reveals the disheartening reality faced by many African Americans in Hollywood, particularly for women who aspired to star in leading roles. Despite their talent and ambition, societal norms and systemic racism restricted their opportunities, often relegating them to stereotypical characters. This statement not only underscores the barriers to success but also emphasizes the broader issue of racial inequality in the arts.
Themes
HollywoodRepresentationAfrican AmericanDreamLimitationsRoles
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on diversity in media, this quote can be used to emphasize the need for more varied representation in film.
More from Ruby Dee
All quotes →You should always be prepared to win. But as much as I tell myself that, I've accepted another kind of role. Racism undercuts expectation, something like that. I'm not saying that to excuse myself from anything, but I've lived all this time, and things don't happen.
Ruby DeeRead
We both grew up in the atmosphere of struggle, both Ossie and me, ... I come out of Harlem and Harlem comes out of me - wailing police sirens and street parties, rumors and landlords, that cultural, spiritual scene. And Ossie came up from the South, where struggle and dying were part of everyday life. That is who we are.
Ruby DeeRead
I respect the fact that a director has studied the text and the road map of work before us, the subtleties, interconnections, underpinnings... His job is to paint the entire picture and knows all the colors that have to be in it.
Ruby DeeRead
See, I don’t expect to win a prize for stoic control and dignity at mourning time. Death deserve tantrums. Beating back shocked indignation, kicks in the groin, stones, classified unacceptable, not to be tolerated, not to be wooed, not to be conspired with. Only then can music, dance, movies, plays, rap be about life. Only then can life be cherished and adored.
Ruby DeeRead
I never thought about myself as an activist when we were coming along. I love the people I love. I didn't care whether they could be a Democrat, Republican, communist... anything but a racist.
Ruby DeeRead
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