Quotation by

Maya Angelou

The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerance. It is seldom accepted as an inevitable outcome of the struggle won by survivors, and deserves respect if not enthusia

Maya Angelou

Respect

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Maya Angelou is saying that many people react with surprise or hostility when they see a strong Black woman because they don't recognize that her strength comes from overcoming difficult challenges. She argues that this strength should be acknowledged and respected as a natural result of her survival and resilience.

More by this author

All quotes by Maya Angelou →

More quotes about Respect

See all →

An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in …

Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized.

Let every man be respected as an individual and no man idolized.

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

If once you forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem.

I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.