We show up to fight racism, anti-black racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, misogyny, patriarchy, anti-Semitism, because after Donald Trump is out of office, there will still be all those things here.
Linda SarsourRead
If you woke up this morning and you are breathing, and you are Muslim, then you are political. You have no choice but to be political in a country that has politicized you and politicized your religion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being alive and identifying with a particular faith in a politically charged environment makes one inherently political.
In this quote, Linda Sarsour emphasizes the idea that one's identity, especially in the context of being a Muslim in a society that politicizes religion, forces individuals into a political identity. She argues that simply existing within such a system—waking up, breathing, and being part of a community that faces political scrutiny—demands awareness and engagement with the political landscape, as one’s beliefs and existence are affected by external political forces.
Themes
PoliticsIdentityReligionMuslimEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally to raise awareness about civil rights.
More from Linda Sarsour
All quotes →I wholeheartedly believe that we can't organize just as women. There has to be specific messaging and an issue prioritization based on identity groups. Because when you ask a black woman what her top priority issues are versus a white woman versus a Muslim woman versus an undocumented woman, you're going to get... different answers.
Linda SarsourRead
Alleviating suffering of the most marginalized communities must begin with assessing the needs of entire communities and allowing the most marginalized to lead the strategy. My belief is those closest to the pain are closest to the solution.
Linda SarsourRead
I will not walk away from the people and communities whom I love deeply. I will continue to raise my voice for justice and equality for all, organize communities who want to defend the rights of black people, stand against policies that target and marginalize Muslims, and advocate for health care for all people.
Linda SarsourRead
It just doesn't make any sense for someone to say, 'Is there room for people who support the state of Israel and do not criticize it in the movement?' There can't be in feminism. You either stand up for the rights of all women, including Palestinians, or none. There's just no way around it.
Linda SarsourRead
None of us live single-issue lives... That is why intersectionality is a strength, not a weakness.
Linda SarsourRead
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