--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To take the ugly language out of…" description: "\"To take the ugly language out of 'Ragtime' is to sanitize it, and that does it a great disservice.\" — Brian Stokes Mitchell" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e65/brian-stokes-mitchell-6113_does_to-take-the-ugly-language-out-of-ragtime_3125241.jpg" --- # To take the ugly language out of 'Ragtime' is to sanitize… ![“To take the ugly language out of 'Ragtime' is to sanitize it, and that does it a great disservice.” quote by Brian Stokes Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e65/brian-stokes-mitchell-6113_does_to-take-the-ugly-language-out-of-ragtime_3125241.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e65/brian-stokes-mitchell-6113_does_to-take-the-ugly-language-out-of-ragtime_3125241.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e65/brian-stokes-mitchell-6113_does_to-take-the-ugly-language-out-of-ragtime_3125241.jpg) > “To take the ugly language out of 'Ragtime' is to sanitize it, and that does it a great disservice.” [Brian Stokes Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-stokes-mitchell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Sanitizing language in classic works erases their historical context and diminishes their impact. **In simple terms:** Preserve original language despite discomfort. Key Takeaway Respect artistic integrity and history. Themes art history language culture Mood reflective critical Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - theatre productions - literary analysis - education - public discourse Key Concepts censorship authenticity historical context Questions to Reflect On - Should we adapt works for modern sensibilities? - How do we balance authenticity with inclusivity? A Different Perspective Some audiences may feel alienated by harsh language. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Does](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/does/) [Great](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Language Ragtime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language-ragtime-5504947/) [Ragtime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ragtime/) [Ragtime Sanitize](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ragtime-sanitize-5504946/) [Sanitize](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sanitize-934114/) [Take](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/take/) [Ugly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ugly/) [Ugly Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ugly-language-853468/) ## Related quotes > [There is no such thing as an ugly language. Today I hear every language as if it were the only one, and when I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elias-canetti/there-is-no-such-thing-as-an-ugly-language-today-i-hear-every/) [Elias Canetti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elias-canetti/) > [German in the most extravagantly ugly language - it sounds like someone using a sick bag on a 747.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/willie-rushton/german-in-the-most-extravagantly-ugly-language-it-sounds-like-someone/) [Willie Rushton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willie-rushton/) > ['Kiss Me, Kate' was my 'Ragtime' Tony.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-stokes-mitchell/kiss-me-kate-was-my-ragtime-tony/) [Brian Stokes Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-stokes-mitchell/) > ['Ragtime' was the most magical show that I've done. I had an incredible experience with that, with the show itself, with the cast, with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-stokes-mitchell/ragtime-was-the-most-magical-show-that-i-ve-done-i-had-an-incredible/) [Brian Stokes Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-stokes-mitchell/) > [The first time I really had an influence on a show was during 'Ragtime.' It's still the most magical show that I've ever done.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-stokes-mitchell/the-first-time-i-really-had-an-influence-on-a-show-was-during-ragtime/) [Brian Stokes Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-stokes-mitchell/) > ['Ragtime' is about how we get through ugliness, how we talk together, work together, get through it together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-stokes-mitchell/ragtime-is-about-how-we-get-through-ugliness-how-we-talk-together/) [Brian Stokes Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-stokes-mitchell/) > [“It's good Netiquette to sanitize mobile devices, smartphones & tablets. 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That is now conceded by all classes of musicians... All publication…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-joplin/what-is-scurrilously-called-ragtime-is-an-invention-that-is-here-to/) [Scott Joplin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-joplin/) > [The ones that were relevant while I wrote my book were books like "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, which is based on a historical fact,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laila-lalami/the-ones-that-were-relevant-while-i-wrote-my-book-were-books-like/) [Laila Lalami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laila-lalami/) ## More by Brian Stokes Mitchell > [Stay as connected as you can. Sometimes that means you're going to do a job that may not pay you much but may give…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-stokes-mitchell/stay-as-connected-as-you-can-sometimes-that-means-you-re-going-to-do/) [Brian Stokes Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-stokes-mitchell/) > [Cabaret presents different challenges, as it is all on me. 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