And fantasy it was, for we were not strong, only aggressive; we were not free, merely licensed; we were not compassionate, we were polite; not good, but well behaved. We courted death in order to call ourselves brave, and hid like thieves from life.
In the quote from Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," the author presents a stark reflection on the human condition, suggesting that societal norms often mask genuine emotions and strengths. The distinction between being strong and merely aggressive highlights a facade of power that lacks true resilience. Similarly, the concepts of freedom and compassion are viewed as superficial, suggesting that acceptable behavior can often be a substitute for authentic virtues.
This commentary...
