American dream Quote by John Edgar Wideman
“I don't understand why black people have been so quiescent, so passive over the hundreds of years of American history. Why hasn't there been more violence, more armed struggle? I know answers to some of that, but it seems to me it's an issue of faith, an abiding faith in some sort of great beyond, or great spirit, or even in the American dream.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Faith and Struggle in Black History", 1998
He questions why Black Americans historically favored nonviolent resistance, attributing it to deep spiritual faith and belief in a higher purpose.
In simple terms: Spiritual faith often led to nonviolent resistance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize faith’s role in shaping protest tactics.
Themes
faith
resistance
history
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- civil rights movements
- community organizing
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
spirituality
political strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates peaceful protest?
- Can faith coexist with militant activism?
A Different Perspective
Nonviolent approaches may limit immediate change but preserve long-term cohesion.
![“I am trying to remember that things have certainly been crazier in human history and they may get crazier here and now, and [here I am trying to be optimistic] it's even a good thing, to be going through all of this, if only to be reminded that history hasn't stopped - human existence is as…” quote by George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/853/george-saunders-317_being-optimistic_i-am-trying-to-remember-that-things-have_2850464.jpg)
