Skip to content

African american Quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Part of that is ordinary African-Americans, you come out of your house and you see the conditions in your neighborhood and you see, folks in your neighborhood doing certain things that, are irresponsible. You know, the thing I always think about, you get up early in the morning to go to work and…” quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Download Open image
“Part of that is ordinary African-Americans, you come out of your house and you see the conditions in your neighborhood and you see, folks in your neighborhood doing certain things that, are irresponsible. You know, the thing I always think about, you get up early in the morning to go to work and there's some dude outside drinking and you come home and the same dude is outside drinking hanging on the corner. And then this engenders a level of anger I think and a level of shame.”

Ta-Nehisi Coates

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on race and urban life, 2015

The quote highlights how daily exposure to neighborhood neglect and irresponsible behavior fuels both anger and shame in residents.

In simple terms: Seeing constant neglect creates anger and shame.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address community issues.

Themes

race urban life emotions responsibility

Mood

frustrated reflective

Type

social commentary observational

When to use this quote

  • commuting
  • neighborhood observation
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

social decay psychological impact community dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can individuals foster positive change in their neighborhoods?
  • What role does personal responsibility play in community health?
A Different Perspective

Community change requires systemic solutions beyond individual frustration.

3.2 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Explore all 388 Ta-Nehisi Coates quotes

More African american quotes

Browse all 1,848 African american quotes