There's no reason for the establishment to fear me. But it has every right to fear the people collectively - I am one with the people.
Huey NewtonRead
Youths are passed through schools that don’t teach, then forced to search for jobs that don’t exist and finally left stranded in the street to stare at the glamorous lives advertised around them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the education system and the challenges faced by youth in finding meaningful employment.
Huey Newton highlights the disconnect between the education youth receive and the realities of the job market. He suggests that schools fail to adequately prepare students for the workforce, leaving them unprepared in an economy where suitable jobs are scarce. This results in a sense of disillusionment as they witness a disparity between their lives and the seemingly glamorous lives portrayed in media.
Themes
EducationYouthEmploymentDisillusionmentSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing educational reform, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of teaching practical job skills.
More from Huey Newton
All quotes →Those in the community who defy authority and 'break the law' seem to enjoy the good life and have everything in the way of material possessions. On the other hand, people who work hard and struggle and suffer much are the victims of greed and indifference, losers. This insane reversal of values presses heavily on the Black community. The causes originate from outside and are imposed by a system that ruthlessly seeks its own rewards, no matter what the cost in wrecked human lives.
Huey NewtonRead
There will be no prison which can hold our movement down.
Huey NewtonRead
I expected to die. At no time before the trial did I expect to escape with my life. Yet being executed in the gas chamber did not necessarily mean defeat. It could be one more step to bring the community to a higher level of consciousness.
Huey NewtonRead
By surrendering my life to the revolution, I found eternal life
Huey NewtonRead
But before we die, how shall we live? I say with hope and dignity; and if premature death is the result, that death has a meaning reactionary suicide can never have. It is the price of self-respect.
Huey NewtonRead
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