In this country American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate.

Quote by Toni Morrison

Topics: Toni Morrison Quotes

Black literature is taught as sociology, as tolerance, not as a serious, rigorous art form.

Black literature is taught as sociology, as tolerance, not as a serious, rigorous art form.

Everybody gets everything handed to them. The rich inherit it. I don't mean just inheritance...

Everybody gets everything handed to them. The rich inherit it. I don't mean just inheritance...

I think some aspects of writing can be taught. Obviously, you can't teach vision or...

I think some aspects of writing can be taught. Obviously, you can't teach vision or...

In becoming an American, from Europe, what one has in common with that other immigrant...

In becoming an American, from Europe, what one has in common with that other immigrant...

At some point in life the world's beauty becomes enough. You don't need to photograph,...

At some point in life the world's beauty becomes enough. You don't need to photograph,...

Make a difference about something other than yourselves.

Make a difference about something other than yourselves.

Somebody has to take responsibility for being a leader.

Somebody has to take responsibility for being a leader.

You marvel at the economy and this choice of words. How many ways can you...

You marvel at the economy and this choice of words. How many ways can you...

If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet,...

If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet,...

I'm a controversial figure. My friends either dislike me or hate me.

I'm a controversial figure. My friends either dislike me or hate me.

The loneliest woman in the world is the woman without a close woman friend.

The loneliest woman in the world is the woman without a close woman friend.

If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it.

If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it.

One of my kids was born in 1968. There were going to be political difficulties,...

One of my kids was born in 1968. There were going to be political difficulties,...

Black people are victims of an enormous amount of violence. None of those things can...

Black people are victims of an enormous amount of violence. None of those things can...

I merged those two words, black and feminist, because I was surrounded by black women...

I merged those two words, black and feminist, because I was surrounded by black women...

We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may...

We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may...

I don't think anybody cares about unwed mothers unless they're black or poor. The question...

I don't think anybody cares about unwed mothers unless they're black or poor. The question...

I like marriage. The idea.

I like marriage. The idea.

Dont complain about the snow on your neighbors roof when your own doorstep is unclean.

Dont complain about the snow on your neighbors roof when your own doorstep is unclean.

When did I realize I was God? Well, I was praying and I suddenly realized...

When did I realize I was God? Well, I was praying and I suddenly realized...