We learn to be racist, therefore we can learn not to be racist. Racism is not genetical. It has everything to do with power.
Jane ElliottRead
We are still conditioning people in this country and, indeed, all over the globe to the myth of white superiority. We are constantly being told that we don't have racism in this country anymore, but most of the people who are saying that are white. White people think it isn't happening because it isn't happening to them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the misconception of a post-racial society and the blindness to racism experienced by those who are not directly affected by it.
Jane Elliott discusses the pervasive myth of white superiority and the often-unrecognized existence of racism in society. She argues that many individuals, particularly those of the white race, may claim that racism is no longer a problem, not realizing that their own experiences shield them from understanding its impact on marginalized communities. This quote calls for greater awareness and acknowledgment of systemic racism and encourages open dialogues about its persistent reality.
Themes
RacismAwarenessMythWhite SuperiorityTruth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a panel discussion about race relations to emphasize the importance of recognizing systemic issues.
More from Jane Elliott
All quotes →White people’s number one freedom, in the United States of America, is the freedom to be totally ignorant of those who are other than white. We don’t have to learn about those who are other than white. And our number two freedom is the freedom to deny that we’re ignorant.
Jane ElliottRead
We dont know anything about racism. Weve never experienced it. If words can make a difference in your life for seven minutes, how would it affect you if you heard this every day of your life?
Jane ElliottRead
This country isn't a melting pot. Think of this country as a stir fry. That's what this country should be. A place where people are appreciated for who they are.
Jane ElliottRead
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