I don’t know whether Asimov realized he was saying this as well, but as an old historical materialist, if only as an afterthought, he must have realized that he was saying too: No one here will ever look at you, read a word you write, or consider you in any situation, no matter whether the roof is falling in or the money is pouring in, without saying to him- or herself (whether in an attempt to count it or to discount it), 'Negro..' The racial situation, permeable as it might sometimes seem (and it is, yes, highly permeable), is nevertheless your total surround. Don’t you ever forget it..! And I never have. Samuel R. Delany
About This Quote

Isaac Asimov, a science fiction writer, was known for writing about robots and how they would eventually become a part of the real world. In an interview in 1968 with a teen, he discusses racism and how it still affects people until this day. Even in the future when robots have become a part of society, it is difficult to ignore the fact that you are being judged based on your race. Isaac Asimov was not only a great writer but he was an important civil rights activist who fought for equality in society.

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More Quotes By Samuel R. Delany
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  2. We all remember people the way we want to remember them.

  3. This is called ‘Black Box’, for the girl who holds the key to mine.

  4. You'll always be the deepest scar on my heart.

  5. We may only ever have one great, passionate love, but sometimes it’s best to leave that kind of love in the past. A love like that can’t last forever.

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