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Athletic competition Quote by Jonathan Kozol

“There is a belief advanced today, and in some cases by conservative black authors, that poor children and particularly black children should not be allowed to hear too much about these matters. If they learn how much less they are getting than rich children, we are told, this knowledge may induce…” quote by Jonathan Kozol
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““There is a belief advanced today, and in some cases by conservative black authors, that poor children and particularly black children should not be allowed to hear too much about these matters. If they learn how much less they are getting than rich children, we are told, this knowledge may induce them to regard themselves as "victims," and such "victim-thinking," it is argued, may then undermine their capacity to profit from whatever opportunities may actually exist. But this is a matter of psychology-or strategy-and not reality. The matter, in any case, is academic since most adolescents in the poorest neighborhoods learn very soon that they are getting less than children in the wealthier school districts. They see suburban schools on television and they see them when they travel for athletic competitions. It is a waste of time to worry whether we should tell them something they could tell to us. About injustice, most poor children in American cannot be fooled.””

Jonathan Kozol

About This Quote

Source Book: Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol, 1991

The quote argues that exposing poor children to inequality does not make them victims; they already know the disparity and cannot be misled about injustice.

In simple terms: Seeing inequality won’t make kids victims; they already know it.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge reality, empower action.

Themes

education inequality psychology empowerment

Mood

concern determined

Type

educational advocacy

When to use this quote

  • school policy
  • parental guidance
  • community activism
  • media literacy

Key Concepts

social justice awareness psychological resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can educators turn awareness into agency?
  • What supports help children cope with systemic inequality?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all children process disparity similarly; some may feel helpless.

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