Ability Quote by James P Comer
“As blacks, we need not be afraid that encouraging moraldevelopment, a conscience and guilt will prevent social action. Black children without the ability to feel a normal amount of guilt will victimize their parents, relatives and community first.They are unlikely to be involved in social action to improve the black community. Their self-centered personalities will cause them to look out for themselves without concern for others, black or white.”
About This Quote
The quote argues that fostering moral development and a sense of guilt is essential for social responsibility; lacking these traits leads to selfishness and disengagement from community improvement.
In simple terms: Moral development drives community action.
Key Takeaway
Guilt motivates collective responsibility.
Themes
Moral psychology
Community responsibility
Social cohesion
Identity formation
Ethics
Mood
Concerned
Reflective
Urgent
Type
Opinion
Social commentary
Advice
When to use this quote
- Raising Black children
- Community organizing
- Family dynamics
- Social activism
Key Concepts
Moral development
Guilt
Selfishness
Community engagement
Practical Applications
- Parenting guidance
- Community program design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can moral education be balanced with empowerment?
- What role does cultural context play in shaping guilt?
A Different Perspective
Some scholars argue that excessive guilt can be paralyzing rather than motivating, suggesting a balance is needed.
![“It is my view that if society was doing the right thing with respect to you, [and there were] programs targeted at helping people rise into the middle class and have a good income and be able to save and send their kids to school, and you've got a vigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination laws…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73a/barack-obama-17_able_it-is-my-view-that-if-society-was-doing_2708983.jpg)
