If we believe that a person seeking refuge is to be pitied, feared, despised, and looked down upon, we are doing ourselves a disservice.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of empathy towards those seeking refuge rather than judgment or contempt.
Clemantine Wamariya articulates the essential human value of compassion in her quote, suggesting that viewing refugees with pity, fear, or disdain not only harms them but also detracts from our own humanity. Instead of looking down on these individuals, we should recognize their struggles as a reflection of a global issue that requires our empathy and understanding. This perspective invites us to support those in need and fosters a more compassionate society.
In practice
During a speech addressing the refugee crisis, this quote could remind the audience of the importance of empathy.
As a child growing up in refugee camps, life taught me that many things were impossible. My older sister, Claire, taught me otherwise when her strength and resilience made the impossible possible in the way she worked, behaved, and took control of our lives.
I'll work to ensure that every single refugee who seeks asylum in the United States has a fair chance to tell his or her story. This is the least we can offer people fleeing persecution and devastation.
Steady, firm, and kind government of prisoners is the truest humanity and the best exercise of duty. It is with convicts as with children: unseasonable indulgence, indiscreetly granted, leads to mischiefs which we may deplore but cannot repair.
The destiny of world civilization depends upon providing a decent standard of living for all mankind.
We may be different races and religions but we are all part of the same human family
In countries where people have to flee their homes because of persecution and violence, political solutions must be found, peace and tolerance restored, so that refugees can return home. In my experience, going home is the deepest wish of most refugees.
We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend theyβre not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.