When people have points of reference that are humanizing, that demystifies difference.
Laverne CoxRead
Each and every one of us has the capacity to be an oppressor. I want to encourage each and everyone of us to interrogate how we might be an oppressor and how we might be able to become liberators for ourselves and for each other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We all have the potential to oppress others, and it's important to reflect on this tendency while striving to liberate ourselves and others.
This quote by Laverne Cox highlights a profound truth about human nature: within each individual lies the capability for both oppression and liberation. It challenges us to self-reflect and critically examine our own behaviors and attitudes, prompting us to recognize the ways we may inadvertently perpetuate systems of harm. By urging us to interrogate our own roles, the quote encourages a journey towards empathy and understanding, ultimately advocating for a collective commitment to foster liberation for both ourselves and our communities.
Themes
OppressionLiberationSelf-ReflectionEmpowermentHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on social justice, this quote can inspire participants to engage in self-examination regarding their own biases.
More from Laverne Cox
All quotes →Believing that you are unworthy of love and belonging or that who you are authentically is a sin or is wrong, is deadly.
Laverne CoxRead
We shouldn't demonize the woman who wears high heels and we shouldn't demonize the woman who doesn't wear high heels. We should accept all forms of comportment.
Laverne CoxRead
If you have a problem with people living their lives and being authentically who they are, you really should go and do some soul-searching.
Laverne CoxRead
I was assigned male at birth, is the way I like to put it, because I think... we're born who we are... and the gender thing is something someone imposes on you. And so, I was assigned male at birth, but I always felt like I was a girl.
Laverne CoxRead
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