--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For too long, we have focused on our…" description: "\"For too long, we have focused on our differences - in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs - rather than cherishing the unity and prid..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f06/bob-riley-18775_backgrounds_for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-diff_2545277.jpg" --- # For too long, we have focused on our differences - in our… ![“For too long, we have focused on our differences - in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs - rather than cherishing the unity and pride that binds us together.” quote by Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f06/bob-riley-18775_backgrounds_for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-diff_2545277.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f06/bob-riley-18775_backgrounds_for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-diff_2545277.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f06/bob-riley-18775_backgrounds_for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-diff_2545277.jpg) > “For too long, we have focused on our differences - in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs - rather than cherishing the unity and pride that binds us together.” [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Emphasizes focusing on shared values and unity rather than divisions. **In simple terms:** Focus on unity over differences. Key Takeaway Prioritize common ground. Themes unity inclusion diversity politics Mood hopeful thoughtful Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - team building - political debates - neighbourhood meetings - multicultural events Key Concepts social cohesion identity politics Questions to Reflect On - How can we celebrate differences while building unity? - What steps foster genuine pride in shared identity? A Different Perspective Unity can overlook legitimate grievances. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Belief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/belief/) [Differences](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/differences/) [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Focused](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/focused/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Pride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pride/) [Race](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/race/) [Racism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/racism/) [Unity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unity/) ## Related quotes > [Our differences are politics. Our agreements are principles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-mckinley/our-differences-are-politics-our-agreements-are-principles/) [William McKinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-mckinley/) > [It doesn't matter what race you are or what beliefs you have, if you're passionate about something, dream it and do it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amit-verma/it-doesn-t-matter-what-race-you-are-or-what-beliefs-you-have-if-you/) [Amit Verma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amit-verma/) > [Without being aware of it, you take many things as being your identity: your body, your race, your beliefs, your thoughts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-kornfield/without-being-aware-of-it-you-take-many-things-as-being-your-identity/) [Jack Kornfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-kornfield/) > [ For some unknown reason, this \[antiabortion\] branch of Christianity cherishes the unborn and hates the living person. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vine-deloria-jr/for-some-unknown-reason-this-antiabortion-branch-of-christianity/) [Vine Deloria Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vine-deloria-jr/) > [We must understand that God does not "love" us without liking us - through gritted teeth - as "Christian" love is sometimes thought to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dallas-willard/we-must-understand-that-god-does-not-love-us-without-liking-us/) [Dallas Willard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dallas-willard/) > [I keep a lot to myself, and I cherish the things that are for me and the people closest to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tyler-oakley/i-keep-a-lot-to-myself-and-i-cherish-the-things-that-are-for-me-and/) [Tyler Oakley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tyler-oakley/) > [Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eve-ensler/cherish-your-solitude-take-trains-by-yourself-to-places-you-have/) [Eve Ensler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eve-ensler/) > [You never know what's going to happen so just enjoy the moments that you have with the people you love and cherish them. Let…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/camille-grammer/you-never-know-what-s-going-to-happen-so-just-enjoy-the-moments-that/) [Camille Grammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/camille-grammer/) > [I cherish my clothes and I remember what seasons they're from. But someone said to me as I was having trouble with styling a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-hudson/i-cherish-my-clothes-and-i-remember-what-seasons-they-re-from-but/) [Kate Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-hudson/) > [Hold tenderly that which you cherish, for it is precious and a tight grip may crush it. Do not let the fear of dropping…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-alberti/hold-tenderly-that-which-you-cherish-for-it-is-precious-and-a-tight/) Bob Alberti > [Being in a Woody Allen film. I cherish it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/parker-posey/being-in-a-woody-allen-film-i-cherish-it/) [Parker Posey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/parker-posey/) > [The longer you are in acting business, the more you cherish the times when you're working with people that do great work, and can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-bakula/the-longer-you-are-in-acting-business-the-more-you-cherish-the-times/) [Scott Bakula](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-bakula/) > [I am simply looking for a companion with whom to spend my days, a companion who will cherish as much as I the stupidity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heidi-julavits/i-am-simply-looking-for-a-companion-with-whom-to-spend-my-days-a/) [Heidi Julavits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heidi-julavits/) > [They say that the commons of England would first destroy the king's friends and afterward himself, and then bring the Duke of York to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-cade/they-say-that-the-commons-of-england-would-first-destroy-the-king-s/) [Jack Cade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-cade/) > [In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood; binding up the constitution…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edmund-burke/in-this-choice-of-inheritance-we-have-given-to-our-frame-of-polity/) [Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edmund-burke/) ## More by Bob Riley > [One person can make a difference. In fact, its not only possible for one person to make a difference, its essential that one person…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/one-person-can-make-a-difference-in-fact-its-not-only-possible-for/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [Government does not create jobs. It only helps create the conditions that make jobs more or less likely.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/government-does-not-create-jobs-it-only-helps-create-the-conditions/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [According to our Christian ethics, we're supposed to love God, love each other and help take care of the poor. It is immoral to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/according-to-our-christian-ethics-we-re-supposed-to-love-god-love/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [Half a world away nations that once lived under oppression and tyranny are now budding democracies due in large part to America 's leadership…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/half-a-world-away-nations-that-once-lived-under-oppression-and/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [There is no longer time for statements like 'if only' or 'we can't.' We must and we will succeed. The only question now is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/there-is-no-longer-time-for-statements-like-if-only-or-we-can-t-we/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [No skill shapes a child's future success in school or in life more than the ability to read.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/no-skill-shapes-a-child-s-future-success-in-school-or-in-life-more/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [If we are going to save this country, if we are going to reestablish that belief in God, it's up to us. If we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/if-we-are-going-to-save-this-country-if-we-are-going-to-reestablish/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [The amount of money we spend on education is important, but not nearly as important as how the money is spent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/the-amount-of-money-we-spend-on-education-is-important-but-not-nearly/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [Tolerating evil leads only to more evil. And when good people stand by and do nothing while wickedness reigns, their communities will be consumed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/tolerating-evil-leads-only-to-more-evil-and-when-good-people-stand-by/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [The fight for reform comes down to a simple goal: giving our citizens the confidence that government serves the people first and the people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/the-fight-for-reform-comes-down-to-a-simple-goal-giving-our-citizens/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [I ask you: turn a deaf ear to the special interests. Let politics stand down for a while. don't waste anytime thinking about future…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/i-ask-you-turn-a-deaf-ear-to-the-special-interests-let-politics-stand/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [Victims of domestic violence need assistance and deserve justice, I commend the crime unit's efforts to put offenders behind bars and reach out to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/victims-of-domestic-violence-need-assistance-and-deserve-justice-i/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [Perseverance is a virtue that cannot be understated.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/perseverance-is-a-virtue-that-cannot-be-understated/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [Drugs are the enemies of ambition and hope - and when we fight against drugs we are fighting for the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/drugs-are-the-enemies-of-ambition-and-hope-and-when-we-fight-against/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) > [You elected government officials to make decisions and it's about time they started making good ones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/you-elected-government-officials-to-make-decisions-and-it-s-about/) [Bob Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) [Explore all 34 Bob Riley quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/) ## More Backgrounds quotes > [We do not want to be reminded that it is we, the indigenous people, who are poor and exploited in the land of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-biko/we-do-not-want-to-be-reminded-that-it-is-we-the-indigenous-people-who/) [Steven Biko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-biko/) > [When you see how fragile and delicate life can be, all else fades into the background.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenna-morasca/when-you-see-how-fragile-and-delicate-life-can-be-all-else-fades-into/) [Jenna Morasca](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenna-morasca/) > [Worship is not about personality, temperament, personal limitations, church background, or comfort. It is about God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wimber/worship-is-not-about-personality-temperament-personal-limitations/) [John Wimber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wimber/) > [Eventually the consumer will come to appreciate the editorial point of view of every different brand. User-generated content without editorial oversight will simply be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-eisner/eventually-the-consumer-will-come-to-appreciate-the-editorial-point/) [Michael Eisner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-eisner/) > [I bring my classical training - some of it, but not all of it - and also my background and culture, to spirituals. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathleen-battle/i-bring-my-classical-training-some-of-it-but-not-all-of-it-and-also/) [Kathleen Battle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathleen-battle/) > [The acting background helped a lot when I started writing. I was training for it. In acting class they teach you about the stakes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carol-higgins-clark/the-acting-background-helped-a-lot-when-i-started-writing-i-was/) [Carol Higgins Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carol-higgins-clark/) > [In the dim background of our mind we know meanwhile what we ought to be doing: getting up, dressing ourselves, answering the person who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-james/in-the-dim-background-of-our-mind-we-know-meanwhile-what-we-ought-to/) [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) > [I think it is a sin to look at another person as inferior to yourself because of race or because of ethnic background and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/i-think-it-is-a-sin-to-look-at-another-person-as-inferior-to-yourself/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [The thing that is making jazz healthy today is that people are coming out of other backgrounds - from rock, folk, from ethnic music.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-taylor/the-thing-that-is-making-jazz-healthy-today-is-that-people-are-coming/) Billy Taylor > [We do not have to be ashamed of what we are. As sentient beings we have wonderful backgrounds. These backgrounds may not be particularly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chogyam-trungpa/we-do-not-have-to-be-ashamed-of-what-we-are-as-sentient-beings-we/) [Chogyam Trungpa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chogyam-trungpa/) > [People from my sort of background needed grammar schools to compete with children from privileged homes like Shirley Williams and Anthony Wedgwood Benn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-thatcher/people-from-my-sort-of-background-needed-grammar-schools-to-compete/) [Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-thatcher/) > [Persons who have cleansed themselves of any transgression and who have shown their ability to deal with homosexual inclinations and put them in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dallin-h-oaks/persons-who-have-cleansed-themselves-of-any-transgression-and-who/) [Dallin H. Oaks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dallin-h-oaks/) > [I come from a theater background, so I always like to dissect the scene and try to get some hint about what the author…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adina-porter/i-come-from-a-theater-background-so-i-always-like-to-dissect-the/) [Adina Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adina-porter/) > [And, of course, some SF is set close enough to here and now that Anglo and European do apply. Since many of the writers…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanley-schmidt/and-of-course-some-sf-is-set-close-enough-to-here-and-now-that-anglo/) [Stanley Schmidt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanley-schmidt/) > [For me, I try to look at a person's swagger and a little background on them if I already haven't liked them as a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-bivins/for-me-i-try-to-look-at-a-person-s-swagger-and-a-little-background-on/) [Michael Bivins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-bivins/) Browse all 1,648 Backgrounds quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "For too long, we have focused on our differences - in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs - rather than cherishing the unity and pride that binds us together.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Bob Riley" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-differences-in-our-politics-and/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Backgrounds" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-differences-in-our-politics-and/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f06/bob-riley-18775_backgrounds_for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-diff_2545277.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f06/bob-riley-18775_backgrounds_for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-diff_2545277.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f06/bob-riley-18775_backgrounds_for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-diff_2545277.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“For too long, we have focused on our differences - in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs…” — Bob Riley", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Bob Riley", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-riley/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "For too long, we have focused...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-differences-in-our-politics-and/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-riley/for-too-long-we-have-focused-on-our-differences-in-our-politics-and/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```