Actress Quote by Viola Davis
“You can't be perceived as 'the black actress who doesn't get the same kind of roles as the white actress.' You gotta run the same race. You gotta give the same quality of performances. You gotta have the same standard of excellence, even though people know that you're coming to the race in a deficit. That's just what life is about.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Acceptance Speech, SAG Awards, Viola Davis, 2015
Equal opportunity requires the same standards and effort despite systemic disadvantages.
In simple terms: Excellence demands equal standards despite deficits.
Key Takeaway
Demand equal standards and work hard.
Themes
equality
perseverance
excellence
Mood
determined
inspired
Type
inspirational
social
When to use this quote
- auditioning
- seeking promotion
- advocating for representation
- personal development
Key Concepts
social justice
performance standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you support others facing deficits?
- What standards will you uphold for yourself?
A Different Perspective
Systemic bias can limit access to resources, making equality harder to achieve.
![“I think that's why August [Wilson] named her Rose [in "Fences"]; I really do. She's a rose in her sweetness and her kindness and in everything else, even her anger towards the end.” quote by Viola Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bcf/viola-davis-1174_august_i-think-that-s-why-august-wilson-named-h_157231.jpg)
