The idea of cultural relativism is nothing but an excuse to violate human rights.
Shirin EbadiRead
In my memoir, I wanted to introduce American women to Iranian women and our lives. I'm not from the highest echelons of society, nor the lowest. I'm a woman who is a lawyer, who is a professor at a university, who won the Nobel Peace Prize. At the same time, I cook. And even when I'm about to go to prison, one of the first things I do is to make enough food and put it in the fridge for my family.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the connection between personal identity and cultural representation, emphasizing the everyday life of women across different societies.
Shirin Ebadi's quote highlights her desire to bridge cultural gaps by sharing the experiences of Iranian women with American readers. She identifies as an ordinary woman who balances her professional life as a lawyer and professor with the traditional role of nurturing her family, emphasizing the universal challenges and strengths of womanhood. Even amidst adversity, such as facing imprisonment, her commitment to her family's well-being remains paramount.
Themes
IdentityWomanhoodCultureFamilyNurturingCross-Cultural
In practice
Example use cases
In a women's rights conference, when discussing cultural differences, this quote can highlight shared experiences of women.
More from Shirin Ebadi
All quotes →Democracy doesn't recognize east or west; democracy is simply people's will. Therefore, I do not acknowledge that there are various models of democracy; there is just democracy itself.
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When you vote, vote for those who are not warmongers, and vote for those who respect human rights. When you see a president who doesn't respect human rights, don't vote for that person.
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My aim is to show that those governments that violate the rights of people by invoking the name of Islam have been misusing Islam.
Shirin EbadiRead
No government can make me wear a veil, no government can force me not to wear it either
Shirin EbadiRead
We demand a non-violent world where human security is the basis of our common global security. People have the right to live in a world where the basic needs of all peoples are addressed. No more military attacks. No more war.
Shirin EbadiRead
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