"Two worlds. One voice. No going back."
The Hate U Give - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everybody.
— Khalil and Maverick Carter
Context:
Khalil first explains the meaning of "THUG LIFE" to Starr in the car shortly before he is shot. Later, Maverick gives Starr a deeper lesson on the concept, connecting it to the Black Panthers and the societal structures that lead to tragedies like Khalil's death.
Meaning:
This is the central thesis of the film, borrowed from Tupac Shakur. It explains that the systemic hate and oppression directed at marginalized youth creates a self-perpetuating cycle of violence that ultimately poisons all of society, not just the oppressed.
Brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you go on even though you're scared.
— Lisa Carter
Context:
Lisa says this to Starr to comfort and strengthen her as she grapples with the immense fear of speaking out about what she witnessed. It becomes a mantra for Starr as she steps into her role as an activist.
Meaning:
This quote redefines courage not as the absence of fear, but as the act of persevering in spite of it. It's a crucial piece of encouragement for Starr, validating her terror while empowering her to act anyway. It encapsulates the emotional intelligence Lisa provides throughout the story.
Slang makes them cool. Slang makes me hood.
— Starr Carter
Context:
This is part of Starr's narration near the beginning of the film, where she explains the rules she has created for "Williamson Starr" to navigate her predominantly white school and avoid being judged.
Meaning:
This line perfectly captures the double standard and hypocrisy Starr faces. It highlights how cultural expressions are judged differently based on race. When her white classmates adopt Black slang, it's seen as trendy, but when she uses it, she fears it will reinforce negative stereotypes and label her as "ghetto."
Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right.
— Lisa Carter
Context:
Lisa shares this wisdom with Starr when Starr blames herself for the chaos and riots erupting in Garden Heights. She uses the story of Starr's difficult birth as an analogy for how things can go wrong despite perfect care, emphasizing the importance of persistent effort.
Meaning:
This quote offers a philosophy for dealing with an unjust world. It acknowledges that positive outcomes are not guaranteed, even with righteous actions, but insists on the moral imperative to continue fighting for what is right regardless. It frees Starr from the burden of guilt over outcomes she cannot control.