I grew up in the southern United States in a city which at that time during the late '40's and early '50's was the most segregated city in the country, and in a sense learning how to oppose the status quo was a question of survival.

Summary

This quote highlights the adversity the speaker faced while growing up in a highly segregated city in the southern United States. Being surrounded by such a discriminatory environment, the speaker emphasizes that learning how to challenge and resist the prevailing social norms became essential for their very existence. It implies that opposing the status quo was not merely an act of rebellion but a means of safeguarding their identity, rights, and ultimately their survival in an oppressive society.

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