Animus Quote by Michael Eric Dyson
![“What are you for? It may be, to a degree, consoling that white brothers and sisters did not vote for [Donald] Trump, and do not participate in that brand of animus, that gas-bagging of enormous bigotry.” quote by Michael Eric Dyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/01d/michael-eric-dyson-1424_animus_what-are-you-for-it-may-be-to-a-degree-c_14940.jpg)
“What are you for? It may be, to a degree, consoling that white brothers and sisters did not vote for [Donald] Trump, and do not participate in that brand of animus, that gas-bagging of enormous bigotry.”
About This Quote
The speaker questions personal purpose and reflects on the comfort some feel from distancing themselves from extremist politics, highlighting how identity can be used to avoid confronting broader societal bigotry.
In simple terms: Identity can mask deeper moral responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Self‑examination reveals hidden complicity.
Themes
identity
political disengagement
racial dynamics
moral responsibility
social comfort
Mood
thoughtful
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
social
When to use this quote
- discussing personal values
- analyzing political affiliations
- examining racial group dynamics
- debating moral complacency
Key Concepts
self‑reflection
political identity
racial solidarity
bigotry
Practical Applications
- diversity training
- civic education
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal identity influence political choices?
- What responsibilities arise when we claim moral distance from bigotry?
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![“Elvis [Presley] had a stepstool, if you will, to success because he came from the dominant culture. They identified with him. Michael Jackson had to come further and go deeper into the pit of possibility of American democracy and of cultural expression.” quote by Michael Eric Dyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/28f/michael-eric-dyson-1424_american-democracy_elvis-presley-had-a-stepstool-if-you-wil_62719.jpg)
![“Courage in danger is half the battle. [Lat., Bonus animus in mala re, dimidium est mali.]” quote by Plautus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ddf/plautus-1263_animus_courage-in-danger-is-half-the-battle-lat_688215.jpg)
![“It does not matter a feather whether a man be supported by patron or client, if he himself wants courage. [Lat., Animus tamen omnia vincit. Ille etiam vires corpus habere facit.]” quote by Plautus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e55/plautus-1263_animus_it-does-not-matter-a-feather-whether-a-m_984125.jpg)
![“There's a certain level of vehemence, it seems to me, that's directed at me [and] directed at the president. You know, people talking about taking their country back. ... There's a certain racial component to this for some people. I don't think this is the thing that is a main driver, but for some…” quote by Eric Holder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6de/eric-holder-7429_animus_there-s-a-certain-level-of-vehemence-it_1302655.jpg)
![“A mind that is charmed by false appearances refuses better things. [Lat., Acclinis falsis animus meliora recusat.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da9/horace-172_animus_a-mind-that-is-charmed-by-false-appearan_1341383.jpg)