If someone irritates you, it is only your own response that is irritating you. Therefore, when anyone seems to be provoking you, remember that it is only your judgment of the incident that provokes you. -
EpictetusRead
The first thing you must do is forget that I'm Black. Second, you must never forget that I'm Black.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the complexity of identity and the importance of acknowledging race while also moving beyond stereotypes.
Pat Parker's quote presents a duality in how we perceive identity, particularly in the context of race. The first part urges us to look beyond race in order to view an individual as a whole person, while the second part insists on the significance of racial identity, emphasizing that it is an integral part of one's experience and cannot be overlooked. This captures the tension between wanting equality and recognizing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Themes
IdentityRaceEqualityAwarenessRecognition
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about diversity, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of seeing beyond superficial labels.
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