Human beings are complicated and flawed and unique, but we all have a story to tell. Gone are the days where our lead characters can only look like somebody else. Heroes look like all of us. We see ourselves in each others' stories. We see who we are. We see who we want to be. Sometimes we see who we don't want to be. And through that we have a greater understanding of ourselves and acceptance of each other.
Interpretation
Every person has a unique story that contributes to their identity, and recognizing this diversity fosters understanding and acceptance.
Kerry Washington's quote emphasizes the complexity and individuality of each person, highlighting that everyone has a narrative worth sharing. It encourages us to acknowledge that heroes and relatable characters come in various forms, reflecting all of us. By recognizing our shared stories, we gain insight into ourselves and others, promoting empathy and mutual acceptance.
In practice
This quote can be used in discussions about diversity in media and storytelling.
The breakdown of the black community, in order to maintain slavery, began with the breakdown of the black family. Men and women were not legally allowed to get married because you couldn't have that kind of love. It might get in the way of the economics of slavery. Your children could be taken from you and literally sold down the river.
I don't want to not be African. The goal is to live in a world where my race doesn't limit my access, where I can see myself represented in the highest level of society without any limitation.
There are a lot of forms of exercise where you have to leave yourself out of the room while you force yourself to do this thing. With Pilates, I get to bring my true self. I cry, I laugh. I get to go, 'Where is my body today? What do I need today? How can I take care of myself and push myself past my comfort zone?'
I think as a whole America is dealing with the issue of homophobia. We got to be really honest about whether we believe in civil rights for all people or not. As Black people we need to remember the moment that we say it's okay to disenfranchise one segment of society, we're opening the door to move backward on ourselves.
Look, I get it. Whether it's school, work, family, we've all got a lot on our minds. People say to me, "I'm just too busy to think about politics." But here's the thing: You may not be thinking about politics, but politics is thinking about you.
I'm not interested in living in a world where my race is not a part of who I am. I am interested in living in a world where our races, no matter what they are, don't define our trajectory in life.
The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.
When any person suffers for someone in greater need, that person is a human.
However important the struggle is and however much misery and poverty and degradation exist, we know that it cannot be more important than one human life.
We have a shared destiny, a shared responsibility to save the world from those who attempt to destroy it.
I try to be as honest about what I see and to speak rather than be silent, especially if it means I can save lives, or serve humanity.
If we believe that a person seeking refuge is to be pitied, feared, despised, and looked down upon, we are doing ourselves a disservice.
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