I am trying to show the world that we are all human beings and
I am trying to show the world that we are all human beings and that color is not important. What is important is the quality of our work.
The words of Alvin Ailey, “I am trying to show the world that we are all human beings and that color is not important. What is important is the quality of our work,” resound like a timeless proclamation of unity and dignity. He speaks not merely as an artist, but as a prophet of equality, calling all to see past the divisions of the flesh and to recognize the shared essence of our humanity.
The mention of color is no denial of its existence, but a refusal to let it stand as a wall between souls. For the world has long burdened itself with such false measures, lifting some and casting down others for the shade of their skin. Ailey, through his life and art, sought to break these chains, reminding all that the worth of a person cannot be weighed in hue, but in heart.
The true measure, he declares, is the quality of our work — the integrity of what we create, the devotion with which we labor, the truth with which we live. This is the law of the ancients, who judged not by appearances but by deeds. For beauty fades, and power shifts, but the mark of honest work endures beyond death, carrying the spirit of its maker into the memory of generations.
Thus, Ailey’s words are both vision and command. To future generations, they teach that the path to greatness is open to all who honor their humanity and dedicate themselves to excellence. Let this be remembered: we are first and foremost human beings, and in the end, it is not the color of our skin, but the quality of our work, that testifies to who we are.
TMTriet Minh
Alvin Ailey’s statement is both hopeful and ambitious. The idea of being judged solely by the quality of our work, free from the biases tied to race, is something many of us strive for. But how can we bring this ideal into reality? Do we need to focus more on educating people to look beyond skin color, or is this an internal shift that needs to happen within us first? It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.
CQdo nguyen chau quynh
This quote by Alvin Ailey challenges us to see beyond superficial traits like color and to focus on the value of our contributions. But can we really separate color from someone’s experience? Is it possible to understand someone’s work without considering the context of their identity, especially when their identity has shaped their work in powerful ways? I think this quote is a great starting point, but I wonder how much deeper the conversation needs to go to truly understand equality in practice.
BMBaBy Music
Alvin Ailey's words really resonate with me. It’s empowering to think that what truly matters is the quality of our work, not our appearance or background. But, realistically, how do we ensure that this philosophy is embraced universally, especially in industries where race and background are still heavily scrutinized? How can we break down these barriers in practical terms and create more inclusive opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race or color?
BLbao long
I completely agree with Alvin Ailey that the quality of our work should be the focal point, not the color of our skin. However, we live in a world where, unfortunately, people’s perceptions are often influenced by race. Can we ever truly get rid of these biases, or is it something we have to actively work to overcome each day? I wonder how much the arts, as a powerful form of expression, can help challenge these norms.
NMHa Ngoc My
Alvin Ailey’s quote really speaks to the heart of equality and human dignity. It’s refreshing to hear someone emphasize that color should never be a barrier to recognizing someone’s worth, especially in the context of their work. But do you think society is truly ready to accept this idea at face value, or do we still let preconceived notions about race influence how we view someone's abilities and contributions?