--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: And now please note that I have raised my…" description: "\"“And now please note that I have raised my right hand. And that means that I'm not kidding, that whatever I say next I believe to be true. So here it g..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b44/kurt-vonnegut-jr-2-44078_african-american_and-now-please-note-that-i-have-raised-m_2865547.jpg" --- # And now please note that I have raised my right hand. And… ![“And now please note that I have raised my right hand. And that means that I'm not kidding, that whatever I say next I believe to be true. So here it goes: The most spiritually splendid American phenomenon of my lifetime wasn't our contribution to the defeat of the Nazis, in which I played such a…” quote by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b44/kurt-vonnegut-jr-2-44078_african-american_and-now-please-note-that-i-have-raised-m_2865547.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b44/kurt-vonnegut-jr-2-44078_african-american_and-now-please-note-that-i-have-raised-m_2865547.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b44/kurt-vonnegut-jr-2-44078_african-american_and-now-please-note-that-i-have-raised-m_2865547.jpg) > ““And now please note that I have raised my right hand. And that means that I'm not kidding, that whatever I say next I believe to be true. So here it goes: The most spiritually splendid American phenomenon of my lifetime wasn't our contribution to the defeat of the Nazis, in which I played such a large part, or Ronald Reagan's overthrow of Godless Communism, in Russia at least. The most spiritually splendid American phenomenon of my lifetime is how African-American citizens have maintained their dignity and self-respect, despite their having been treated by white Americans, both in and out of government, and simply because of their skin color, as though they were contemptible and loathsome, and even diseased." "If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”” [Kurt Vonnegut, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-vonnegut-jr-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He praises the dignity of African‑American citizens despite systemic racism, calling it a profound American achievement. **In simple terms:** Respect for Black Americans despite racism. Key Takeaway Recognize and honor their resilience. Themes dignity racism American ideals Mood reflective hopeful Type inspirational social commentary When to use this quote - education - policy reform - community support - personal reflection Key Concepts civil rights human dignity social justice Questions to Reflect On - How can we actively support Black dignity today? - What actions reflect true respect? A Different Perspective It may overlook ongoing inequities and the need for concrete change. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [African american](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/african-american/) [Skin color](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/skin-color/) ## Related quotes > [I was raised the right way, my parents did a great job, I owe them everything. Without them, I'm not the man I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-j-dillashaw/i-was-raised-the-right-way-my-parents-did-a-great-job-i-owe-them/) [T.J. Dillashaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-j-dillashaw/) > [“Being "raised right" doesn't mean you don't drink, party and smoke. 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You fight your way through it; that's what you did.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-holmgren/i-was-raised-right-or-wrong-you-make-a-decision-and-you-don-t-quit/) [Mike Holmgren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-holmgren/) > [Being a good person does not depend on you religion, status in life, race, skin color, political views, or culture. It depends on how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernajoy-vaal/being-a-good-person-does-not-depend-on-you-religion-status-in-life/) [Bernajoy Vaal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernajoy-vaal/) ## More by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr > [“Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sakes. 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