Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same.
I've found that in places where women have not really been afforded full rights yet - for instance, in the Middle East - even very conservative politicians in the region will say, 'You know, my daughter would really like to meet you,' or, 'Would you send a note to my granddaughter?'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the connection between women's rights and relational dynamics within conservative societies.
Condoleezza Rice's quote emphasizes the paradox of conservatism in the Middle East, where even traditional leaders acknowledge the aspirations of women for education and connection, particularly through familial ties. It reflects how personal relationships can bridge cultural and political divides, suggesting that despite systemic constraints, there remains a hopeful space for dialogue and progress regarding women's rights.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a conference on women's empowerment, this quote could be used to illustrate the importance of personal relationships in advocating for women's rights.
More from Condoleezza Rice
All quotes →I think my father thought I might be president of the United States. I think he would've been satisfied with secretary of state. I'm a foreign policy person and to have a chance to serve my country as the nation's chief diplomat at a time of peril and consequence, that was enough.
What the United States has done is to be open to people who are fleeing tyranny, who are fleeing danger, but we have done it in a very careful way that has worked for us.
For the United States, supporting international development is more than just an expression of our compassion. It is a vital investment in the free, prosperous, and peaceful international order that fundamentally serves our national interest.
Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same. If you are too attentive to the former, you will most certainly not do the hard work of securing the latter.
Does anybody think these people were just sitting around drinking tea?
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My parents and I entered the U.S. legally, but when it was time for our visa extension, we were turned down. Returning to China meant imprisonment for my father and persecution for my family. We were days from being forced to live here illegally when we were granted political asylum. Other families are not so lucky.
There was a fine line between love and hate you heard that cliche all the time. But no one told you that the moment you crossed it would be the one you least expected. You'd fall in love and crack open a secret door to let your soul mate in. You just never expected such closeness one day to feel like an intrusion.
This is what I miss, Cordelia: not something that’s gone, but something that will never happen. Two old women giggling over their tea.