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 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?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the profound impact of words and experience, particularly regarding racism and its daily effects on individuals.
Jane Elliott's quote reflects on the pervasive nature of racism and how the lack of understanding stems from not experiencing it personally. She underscores the significant influence that words can have on a person's life, suggesting that those who are privileged enough not to encounter racism daily may not grasp its true weight. By posing a hypothetical scenario of hearing a negative message daily, she invites reflection on the psychological toll of constant exposure to prejudice.
Themes
RacismWordsExperienceImpactPrejudice
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a presentation on social justice to highlight the effects of systemic racism.
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 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.
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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