Answer Quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“Storytellers have the right to answer any question they choose.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Case for Reparations", The Atlantic, 2014
Storytellers can choose which queries to address, asserting control over narrative and truth.
In simple terms: Storytellers decide which questions to answer.
Key Takeaway
Choose your questions wisely.
Themes
freedom
authority
responsibility
truth
Mood
thoughtful
assertive
Type
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- interviews
- media appearances
- public debates
- creative writing
Key Concepts
narrative control
ethical journalism
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What questions are you avoiding?
- How does selective answering shape perception?
A Different Perspective
May limit critical inquiry or appear evasive.
![“[Winning the White House was an achievement], but as an African-American, [Barack Obama], I think the symbolism is in how he conducted himself. The symbolism was in - and this sounds really, really small, but it's actually big for African-Americans - the symbolism was not in being an…” quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5dc/ta-nehisi-coates-733_achievement_winning-the-white-house-was-an-achieveme_47651.jpg)
![“[Grew up in Hawaii] that gave [Barack Obama] a kind of optimism, an ability to see things, you know, and frankly, an ability to trust, you know, in his fellow, you know, white countrymen in a way that I, for instance, you know, and the vast majority of black people I know never really could.” quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/feb/ta-nehisi-coates-733_ability_grew-up-in-hawaii-that-gave-barack-obama_75931.jpg)
