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A great wave of humiliation and shame swept over me. Shame…

“A great wave of humiliation and shame swept over me. Shame that I belonged to a race that could be so dealt with; and shame for my country, that it, the great example of democracy to the world, should be the only civilized, if not the only state on earth, where a human being would be burned alive.” quote by James Weldon Johnson
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“A great wave of humiliation and shame swept over me. Shame that I belonged to a race that could be so dealt with; and shame for my country, that it, the great example of democracy to the world, should be the only civilized, if not the only state on earth, where a human being would be burned alive.”

James Weldon Johnson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He expresses deep shame that his race is subjected to extreme oppression, even in a nation claiming democratic ideals.

In simple terms: Shame at racial oppression in a democratic country.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and confront systemic injustice.

Themes

racism justice democracy

Mood

somber determined

Type

historical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • civil rights activism
  • educational curricula
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

oppression human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies reconcile democratic ideals with systemic racism?
  • What actions can individuals take to combat such shame?
A Different Perspective

The quote may generalize experiences, overlooking varied individual stories.

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