When a country doesn't respect Black lives, maybe it doesn't deserve to be entertained by Black athletes.
The thirst for liberation and equality can never come at the expense of dehumanizing other marginalized groups - especially at a time when hate crimes against Jews have increased significantly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of freedom and equality should not lead to the oppression of others, particularly during times of heightened hate crimes.
Jemele Hill emphasizes the moral imperative to ensure that the struggle for liberation and equality does not turn into a justification for dehumanizing other marginalized groups. She highlights the critical importance of solidarity and compassion, particularly in a societal context where certain groups, like Jewish communities, are facing increasing violence and discrimination. This quote serves as a reminder that true justice must be inclusive and considerate of all marginalized identities.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about social justice movements, one could use this quote to stress the importance of inclusivity.
More from Jemele Hill
All quotes βIt's something most people of color and most women have been burdened with their whole lives, having to suppress your natural emotion to make everybody else feel comfortable. Repeatedly having to do that takes its toll.
Race impacts 90 percent of our society - and I'm probably undershooting that figure. I find this fascinating and like to address it when pertinent.
Yes, I do realize that men in sports media also face criticism and backlash, but the vitriol that is directed at women, especially women of color, is far more severe.
America hasn't been able to grapple with the uncomfortable reality that police brutality is encoded in this country's DNA.
There's a long history and a pattern of Black athletes - and Black people, period - being told to shut up and accept whatever it is they're given.
Similar quotes
Many offenders are tracked for prison at early ages, labeled as criminals in their teen years, and then shuttled from their decrepit, underfunded inner city schools to brand-new, high-tech prisons.
In the racialized space of capitalist gentrification, police are not only arbiters of the peace, they are the muscle of retail racism: You can only be in this space if you transcend your blackness by showing us some green dollars. Even then, there is no guarantee that green will transcend your black skin.
We have a deeply rooted misconception in our country that unhoused people have done something to deserve their conditions - when the reality is that unhoused people are living the consequences of our government's failure to secure the basic necessities people need to survive.
Those in the community who defy authority and 'break the law' seem to enjoy the good life and have everything in the way of material possessions. On the other hand, people who work hard and struggle and suffer much are the victims of greed and indifference, losers. This insane reversal of values presses heavily on the Black community. The causes originate from outside and are imposed by a system that ruthlessly seeks its own rewards, no matter what the cost in wrecked human lives.
When you look at the wealth gap - the racial wealth gap - all of that is very much connected to housing.
Women deserve equal pay for equal work.