Common Quote by June Jordan
“If we lived in a democratic state our language would have to hurtle, fly, curse, and sing, in all the common American names, all the undeniable and representative and participating voices of everybody here.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "A Poem for the New Year", 1975, June Jordan collection
Democratic speech must be free, expressive, and representative of all voices
In simple terms: Language should be unrestricted and inclusive
Key Takeaway
Protect free expression for all communities
Themes
language
freedom
democracy
Mood
thoughtful
poetic
Type
social
political
When to use this quote
- public debates
- media
- education
Key Concepts
speech rights
censorship
pluralism
Questions to Reflect On
- How balance free speech with protecting vulnerable groups?
- What responsibilities accompany expressive freedom?
A Different Perspective
Unrestricted speech can harm marginalized groups
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
