The machine will grind you down, but the machine is not bigger than the imagination. Rome fell in a day. We know this.
Suheir HammadRead
I understand now my father really thought he was doing me good. Education means a lot to Palestinians. We’ve become some of the most educated people in the world through our diaspora. We’ve had to be. When you ain’t got land, your degree may be your only solid ground. May father felt (feels) that being a doctor would give me security. How can I explain that I’m not safe from anything if I don’t write?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of education among Palestinians and the idea that writing can be a form of safety and self-expression.
In her quote, Suheir Hammad reflects on her father's belief that education, particularly in the medical field, would provide her with security in an unstable world. She articulates the deeper significance of education for Palestinians, who often feel their identity and safety are tied to their knowledge and ability to express themselves, suggesting that writing holds a unique power beyond conventional success in one’s career.
Themes
EducationPalestiniansWritingSecurityIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of education during a community event.
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