The first thing you must do is forget that I'm Black. Second, you must never forget that I'm Black.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the complexity of identity and the importance of acknowledging race while also moving beyond stereotypes.
Pat Parker's quote presents a duality in how we perceive identity, particularly in the context of race. The first part urges us to look beyond race in order to view an individual as a whole person, while the second part insists on the significance of racial identity, emphasizing that it is an integral part of one's experience and cannot be overlooked. This captures the tension between wanting equality and recognizing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
In practice
In a speech about diversity, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of seeing beyond superficial labels.
Being a thoughtful vegan makes our time on this Earth more peaceful and joyous, because you get to have a hand in promoting and increasing the happiness, good health and well-being of others -- both animal and human -- rather than being an instrument of their suffering and death.
A Conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words.
I came with the notion of perhaps saying something for monks and to monks of all religions because I am supposed to be a monk. ... My dear brothers, WE ARE ALREADY ONE. BUT WE IMAGINE THAT WE ARE NOT. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are
Slaves sing most when they are most unhappy. The songs of the slave represent the sorrows of his heart; and he is relieved by them, only as an aching heart is relieved by its tears.
Please explain to me what being an icon is. How do you define it? I haven't been given a script. I don't know what the dialogues of an icon are.
The world doesn't owe you anything. It was here first.
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