How we cite our quotes: (Entry. Paragraph)
Quote #1
I read recently where one of them said that equality of education and job opportunity would be an even greater tragedy for us. He said it would quickly prove to us that we can't measure up— disillusion us by showing us that we are, in fact, inferior. "I wish those kind souls wouldn't be so protective. I know plenty who'd be willing to take the chance of being "disillusioned," the proprietor laughed. (9.25)
What reasoning do you think the man who wrote this article had for believing that equality would disillusion black people?
Quote #2
We need a great saint—some enlightened common sense. Otherwise, we'll never have the right answers when these pressure groups—those racists, super-patriots, whatever you want to call them—tag every move toward racial justice as communist-inspired, Zionist-inspired, Illuminati-inspired, Satan-inspired… Part of some secret conspiracy to overthrow the Christian civilization. "So, if you want to be a good Christian, you mustn't act like one. That makes sense," Mr. Gayle said. (9.29)
We're pretty sure that there are two definitions of Christian civilization here. What do you think Mr. Gayle means by that? What's the other meaning?
Quote #3
"That's what they claim. The minute you give me my rights to vote when I pay taxes, to have a decent job, a decent home, a decent education—then you're taking that first step toward 'racemixing' and that's part of the great secret conspiracy to ruin civilization—to ruin America." "So, if you want to be a good American, you've got to practice bad Americanism. That makes sense, too," Mr. Gayle sighed. (9.31)
Here's another case of two meanings for the same word. We get the feeling that the people who think that equality will ruin America mean that it will ruin a land of smiling white families with 2.5 children and white picket fences. Mr. Gayle, on the other hand, probably means the America that stands for equality, democracy, multiculturalism, and all that jazz.