As a feminist of Egyptian and Muslim descent, my life's work has been informed by the belief that religion and culture must never be used to justify the subjugation of women.
Mona EltahawyRead
Women of color have always been kind of boxed in by the idea that the more you talk about the misogyny of your own community, the more you make that community look bad.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the struggle women of color face in addressing misogyny within their communities without fear of judgment.
Mona Eltahawy's quote addresses the complex dynamics of discussing misogyny within communities of color. It emphasizes how women of color often feel constrained by societal expectations that discourage them from critiquing their own communities, as doing so may lead to negative perceptions and stereotypes. This reflects broader issues of intersectionality, where voices within marginalized groups are often silenced due to the fear of reinforcing prejudices held by outsiders.
Themes
MisogynyWomen Of ColorCommunityCritiqueEmpowerment
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on feminism, one could use this quote to highlight the challenges faced by women of color.
More from Mona Eltahawy
All quotes →I'm no fan of Sarkozy, but I support a ban on face veils because they erase women from society and are promoted by an ultra-conservative ideology that equates piety with the disappearance of women.
Mona EltahawyRead
It is the harassers and assaulters who make us 'look bad,' not the women who have every right to expose crimes against them.
Mona EltahawyRead
I can write about my culture and religion because I am a product of both. Even when I'm accused of giving ammunition to the Islamophobic right, in the struggle between 'community' and 'women,' I always choose the women.
Mona EltahawyRead
I believe at the heart of any revolution for social justice and human dignity are consent and agency, the unequivocal belief that I own my body - not the state, not the church/mosque/temple, not the street and not the family.
Mona EltahawyRead
I will never ally with Islamophobes and racists. But in the choice between 'community' and Muslim women, I will always choose my sisters.
Mona EltahawyRead
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