Baltimore Quote by Anna Deavere Smith
“Because of the generation in which I came into the world, there were expectations. Of course there were expectations. It was something having to do with being a respectable Negro woman who would make the people in Baltimore proud.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Twilight: Los Angeles, 1994
Societal expectations shape identity, especially for Black women.
In simple terms: Expectations pressure Black women to represent their community.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge limiting expectations.
Themes
identity
race
expectations
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
narrative
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- public speaking
- community leadership
Key Concepts
social pressure
representation
intersectionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do expectations influence your goals?
- Can you define yourself beyond expectations?
A Different Perspective
Expectations can be both motivating and restrictive.
![“After we did [All In The Family], that ended up being a real love fest all around. Me and Norman, Norman [Lear] and me, Rob Reiner, everybody liked everybody. So about six or seven months later I moved out to L.A. and I got a call that Norman wanted to see me. I came in and he said "ABC has given…” quote by Richard Masur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/992/richard-masur-16998_baltimore_after-we-did-all-in-the-family-that-ende_144257.jpg)
