The human spirit is stronger than any government or institution.
Fela KutiRead
We are a conspiracy of hope and we are pressing back against the strong tide of oppression which for centuries has been the legacy of those of us who are labelled with mental illness. We are refusing to reduce human beings to illnesses.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the collective strength and resilience of individuals labeled with mental illness in combating oppression and stigma.
Patricia Deegan's quote highlights a powerful movement against the historical oppression faced by those with mental illness. It underscores the importance of hope and solidarity among individuals who refuse to be defined solely by their conditions, advocating instead for a recognition of their humanity and potential beyond illness.
In practice
This quote can be used in a mental health awareness campaign to inspire individuals to advocate for their rights.
The human spirit is stronger than any government or institution.
One day I realized I was living in a country where I was afraid to be black. It was only a country for white people. Not black. So I left. I had been suffocating in the United States... A lot of us left, not because we wanted to leave, but because we couldn't stand it anymore... I felt liberated in Paris.
A sound of cornered-animal fear and hate and surrender and defiance . . . like the last sound the treed and shot and falling animal makes as the dogs get him, when he finally doesn't care about anything but himself and his dying.
We need more men with the guts, with the courage, with the strength, with the moral integrity to break our complicit silence and challenge each other and stand with women and not against them.
World, they have taken the small children like butterflies and thrown them, beating their wings, into the fire--
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat; The soldier's last tattoo; No more on Life's parade shall meet; The brave and fallen few. On Fame's eternal camping-ground; Their silent tents are spread, And Glory guards, with solemn round; The bivouac of the dead.
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