"I do not see how a people that can find in its conscience any excuse whatever for slowly burning to death a human being, or for tolerating such an act, can be entrusted with the salvation of a race"
- James Weldon Johnson
About this Quote
This quote by James Weldon Johnson is a powerful statement about the state of race relations in the United States. Johnson is suggesting that if an individuals can find any excuse to validate the sluggish burning of a human, then they can not be depended save a race. This quote speaks with the ingrained bigotry that has actually existed in the United States given that its starting. Johnson is recommending that if an individuals can discover any reason to justify such an abhorrent act, then they can not be trusted to conserve a race. This quote talks to the need for a modification in attitudes and beliefs in order to produce a more fair society. Johnson is calling for a shift in the way people consider race and bigotry, and for a commitment to producing a more simply and fair society. This quote is an effective tip of the need for modification and the significance of recognizing the humankind of all people.