Racism Quote by David Cay Johnston
““The anthropologist Elliot Liebow observed it in the men he chronicled in Tally’s Corner, his insightful 1967 book on the lives and attitudes of poor black men who hung out on a sidewalk in the nation’s capital: “Convinced of their inadequacies, not only do they not seek out those few better-paying jobs which test their resources, but they actively avoid them, gravitating in a mass to the menial, routine jobs which offer no challenge—and therefore pose no threat—to the already diminished images they have of themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The New York Times investigative series on urban poverty, 1995
Men lacking confidence avoid challenging jobs, preferring low‑skill work that doesn’t threaten their self‑image.
In simple terms: Fear of failure keeps people in low‑skill jobs.
Key Takeaway
Build confidence to pursue higher‑skill opportunities.
Themes
poverty
self‑esteem
employment
social psychology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
sociological
observational
When to use this quote
- job search
- career counseling
- community programs
Key Concepts
self‑fulfilling prophecy
economic mobility
Questions to Reflect On
- What can raise self‑image in marginalized groups?
- How to break the cycle of low‑skill employment?
A Different Perspective
Systemic barriers may also limit opportunities.
