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Quote by John Edgar Wideman

“As a writer, you don't know what the hell you're doing. You're just doing it. You hope it works out well.”

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John Edgar Wideman is an American writer renowned for his profound social commentary and literary achievements. His works often explore issues of race, class, and identity, particularly focusing on the experiences of African Americans. more

“My grandfather had asked me many times whether I'd like to come to South Carolina with him. He wanted to introduce me to our people down there and I didn't want to go. In those days, the South was still a place where black kids were lynched. Something horrible could happen to you. I've had that feeling my whole life.”

People Want Stills Whole Feelings Happens Kids Wanted Black South Whole Life Horrible Introducing Grandfather My Grandfather Carolina South Carolina

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“Even in my adult years, when I heard a white person speaking in a Southern accent I was initially suspicious.”

Years Persons White Heard Adults Southern Accents Suspicious Southern Accent

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“I had a deep prejudice against the South. It's taken me many years to get over that, be more open and thoughtful.”

Years Taken Prejudice South Thoughtful Get Over

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“To be a survivor as an African American man - maybe any man - you have to be pretty tough. Or at least that's what we all understand.”

Men Tough African American Survivor

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“You have to be a minor superhero just to get to be a dignified man, and that's kind of exacerbated for men of color.”

Men Kind Color Minors Superhero

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“My father combined many of the elements that were feared in the culture, but also he was a warm figure, a figure we needed. We depended on him to give us a little bit of strength and courage.”

Giving Littles Culture Father Bits Figures Needed Elements Little Bit Warm

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“My mother loved my father. From my view, she let him get away with too much. It broke my heart to see him in an old people's home and stop being strong and lose his voice.”

People Heart Home Mother Father Strong Voice Loses Views Too Much My Heart Broke Get Away Old People Broke My Heart

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“That split is inside all Americans. There are contradictions inside all of us about color and race. We've learned to cover them up and live with them and pretend that deep cleavage is not there. We all bear that illness.”

Race Color Bears Illness Contradiction Splits Cleavage

Author:John Edgar Wideman

“I'm not a fearful person, but I'm a pretty pessimistic person. So some of my best times are waiting, anticipating. That's the way it always has been with me, whether anticipating a ball game, anticipating a relationship.”

Way Persons Has Beens Games Waiting Balls Fearful Pessimistic Best Times Ball Games

Author:John Edgar Wideman

Quote by John Edgar Wideman

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