Who do you call a civilian in a guerilla war? I mean, it might be a farmer by day or a merchant, a housewife, and by night the housewife may be helping to make landmines and booby traps and who knows.
Tim O'BrienRead
In order to make a change, I have to exist in a traditionally homophobic space such as hip-hop. If I were to just be this queer rapper who only spoke to queer kids... I don't think I could as effectively make a change for another young, black, queer kid growing up in Texas.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Making a difference often requires navigating challenging environments.
This quote emphasizes the importance of establishing one's presence in spaces that may not be accepting, in order to effect positive change. Kevin Abstract highlights the necessity for diversity of voices in traditionally homophobic cultures like hip-hop, suggesting that genuine representation and outreach to marginalized groups can inspire and support others facing similar challenges.
Themes
ChangeHomophobiaHip-HopRepresentationLgbtq+
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about diversity in music and culture.
Similar quotes
When you tire of living, change itself seems evil, does it not? for then any change at all disturbs the deathlike peace of the life-weary.
Walter M. Miller, Jr.Read
It's a disease. Nobody thinks or feels or cares any more; nobody gets excited or believes in anything except their own comfortable little God damn mediocrity.
Richard YatesRead
Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don't fight them. Just find a new way to stand.
Oprah WinfreyRead
We do not always appreciate the role the Queen has played in one of the most significant changes in the past 60 years: the transformation of Britain into a multi-ethnic, multi-faith society. No one does interfaith better than the Royal family, and it starts with the Queen herself.
Jonathan SacksRead
There’s no need for us to be held back by the past or how things have been so far. The important thing is what seeds we are sowing now for the future.
Daisaku IkedaRead