How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?
Interpretation
Inclusivity is essential for meaningful change in society.
Emma Watson highlights the necessity of including all voices in conversations aimed at creating change. When only a portion of the population feels welcome to contribute, the potential for impactful progress is significantly diminished, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and dialogue in addressing societal issues.
In practice
In a speech about social justice, one could use this quote to emphasize the need for inclusion.
Becoming yourself is really hard and confusing, and it's a process. I was completely the eager beaver in school, I was the girl in the front of the class who was the first person to put her hand up, and it's often not cool to be the person that puts themself out there, and I've often gotten teased mercilessly, but I found that ultimately if you truly pour your heart into what you believe in - even if it makes you vulnerable - amazing things can and will happen.
Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong... It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.
I've never wanted to grow up too fast. I wanted to wear a sports bra until I was 22! ... The allure of being sexy never really held any excitement for me. I've never been in a terrible rush to be seen as a woman.
Don't be ashamed if you don't like what others pretend to love
Feminism is not here to dictate to you. It’s not prescriptive, it’s not dogmatic. All we are here to do is give you a choice. If you want to run for President, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too. I’m lucky I was raised to believe that my opinion at the dinner table was valuable. My mum and I spoke as loudly as my brothers.
Men think it's a women's word. But what it means is that you believe in equality, and if you stand for equality, then you're a feminist. Sorry to tell you. You're a feminist. You're a feminist. That's it.
Progress is the victory of a new thought over old superstitions.
My message is really that racism has no place in the hearts and minds of our children.
There is a miracle in every new beginning
To be anti-racist you have to be actively a part of dismantling the systems that surround you and the systems that you benefit from.
Retiring was scary and it was tough to give up gymnastics, but so many great opportunities have come from it that I never expected.
I’ve also been reminded recently that while as a society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible.
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