Cultural References and Influence
The tale of John Henry has been used as a symbol in many cultural movements, including labor movements and the Civil Rights Movement.
“ | John Henry is a symbol of physical strength and endurance, of exploited labor, of the dignity of a human being against the degradations of the machine age, and of racial pride and solidarity. During World War II his image was used in U.S. government propaganda as a symbol of social tolerance and diversity. | ” |
Read more about this topic: John Henry (folklore)
Famous quotes containing the words cultural and/or influence:
“The men who are messing up their lives, their families, and their world in their quest to feel man enough are not exercising true masculinity, but a grotesque exaggeration of what they think a man is. When we see men overdoing their masculinity, we can assume that they havent been raised by men, that they have taken cultural stereotypes literally, and that they are scared they arent being manly enough.”
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“The private life of one man shall be a more illustrious monarchy,more formidable to its enemy, more sweet and serene in its influence to its friend, than any kingdom in history. For a man, rightly viewed, comprehendeth the particular natures of all men.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)