It is not possible to conceive a democratic Guatemala, free and independent, without the indigenous identity shaping its character into all aspects of national existence.
Rigoberta MenchuRead
I resolutely believe that respect for diversity is a fundamental pillar in the eradication of racism, xenophobia and intolerance. There is no excuse for evading the responsibility of finding the most suitable path toward the elimination of any expression of discrimination against indigenous peoples.
Interpretation
Respecting diversity is crucial to combating discrimination and fostering inclusivity.
In this quote, Rigoberta Menchu emphasizes the importance of respecting diversity as an essential element in the fight against racism, xenophobia, and intolerance. It suggests that acknowledging and valuing the differences among people is not just important but a necessary responsibility in working towards a world free from discrimination, particularly toward indigenous communities.
In practice
This quote could be used at a conference about social justice to emphasize the importance of inclusion.
It is not possible to conceive a democratic Guatemala, free and independent, without the indigenous identity shaping its character into all aspects of national existence.
I think that nonviolence is one way of saying that there are other ways to solve problems, not only through weapons and war. Nonviolence also means the recognition that the person on one side of the trench and the person on the other side of the trench are both human beings, with the same faculties. At some point they have to begin to understand one another.
Peace cannot exist without justice, justice cannot exist without fairness, fairness cannot exist without development, development cannot exist without democracy, democracy cannot exist without respect for the identity and worth of cultures and peoples.
The things we want are transformative, and we don’t know or only think we know what is on the other side of that transformation Never to get lost is not to live.
Neither technology nor efficiency can acquire more time for you, because time is not a thing you have lost. It is not a thing you ever had.
We are discreet sheep; we wait to see how the drove is going, and then go with the drove. We have two opinions: one private, which we are afraid to express; and another one - the one we use - which we force ourselves to wear to please Mrs. Grundy, until habit makes us comfortable in it, and the custom of defending it presently makes us love it, adore it, and forget how pitifully we came by it. Look at it in politics.
In looking out upon the world, we forget that the world is looking at itself.
In quitting this strange world he has once again preceded me by a little. That doesn't mean anything. For those of us who believe in physics, this separation between past, present, and future is only an illusion, however tenacious.
Without desire there is stillness, and the world settles by itself.
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