America Quote by Barack Obama
“Historically - when you look at how America has evolved, typically we make progress on race relations in fits and starts. We make some progress, and then there's maybe some slippage.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Democratic National Convention, 2008
Progress on race relations in America occurs in uneven bursts, with advances followed by setbacks, reflecting a non-linear trajectory.
In simple terms: Racial progress is uneven and cyclical.
Key Takeaway
Expect and prepare for setbacks.
Themes
race
progress
history
Mood
hopeful
serious
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- legislation
- community activism
- education reform
- media coverage
- public opinion
Key Concepts
social dynamics
policy
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies sustain long‑term equity?
- How can communities resist backlash?
A Different Perspective
Systemic barriers can cause regression.
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
