Meaning: The quote you have provided is from Paul Robeson, a prominent African-American actor, singer, and civil rights activist. In this quote, Robeson expresses his belief that African-Americans should not fight against nations where racial discrimination is prohibited and where people can live freely, implying that such nations include the Soviet Union and the people's democracies.

Paul Robeson, who lived from 1898 to 1976, was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social justice. He used his platform as a respected artist to speak out against racism and discrimination, both in the United States and internationally. Robeson's activism and political views often put him at odds with the prevailing sentiments of his time, but he remained steadfast in his convictions.

Robeson's statement reflects the complex geopolitical and ideological landscape of the mid-20th century, during which the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union shaped global politics. The United States, despite presenting itself as a beacon of freedom and democracy, struggled with deep-seated racial discrimination and segregation, particularly against African-Americans. At the same time, the Soviet Union and its affiliated people's democracies, while espousing anti-racist and anti-imperialist rhetoric, were also criticized for their own human rights violations and authoritarianism.

Robeson's words can be understood in the context of these competing narratives. He aligns himself with the struggle against racial discrimination and oppression, suggesting that African-Americans should not be expected to fight for a country that does not afford them the same freedoms and rights it claims to champion. Instead, he implies that African-Americans would be more inclined to support nations that outwardly oppose racial discrimination, such as the Soviet Union and the people's democracies.

It's important to note that Robeson's statement reflects a specific historical moment and his own political beliefs. While it is true that the Soviet Union and its allies often highlighted racial discrimination in the United States and other Western countries as a means of criticizing their adversaries, the reality of life for people of color within the Soviet bloc was more complex. African-Americans who defected to the Soviet Union, for example, found that they still faced discrimination and were often used as propaganda tools rather than being fully embraced as equals.

Robeson's quote raises important questions about the intersection of race, politics, and international relations. It underscores the global dimensions of the struggle for civil rights and equality, highlighting the ways in which the experiences of marginalized communities in one country can reverberate internationally. Robeson's words also prompt us to consider the complexities of choosing allies and the nuances of ideological and geopolitical alignments.

In conclusion, Paul Robeson's quote encapsulates his deep commitment to the fight against racial discrimination and his willingness to challenge the status quo, even if it meant aligning with nations that were at odds with the United States during the Cold War. While his views may be controversial and open to interpretation, they reflect his unwavering dedication to advocating for the rights and dignity of African-Americans and marginalized communities around the world.

References:
1. "Paul Robeson: The Artist as Revolutionary" by Gerald Horne
2. "Paul Robeson: A Life of Activism and Art" by Lindsey R. Swindall