We learn to be racist, therefore we can learn not to be racist. Racism is not genetical. It has everything to do with power.
Interpretation
Racism is a learned behavior, not an inherent trait, and can be unlearned through awareness and education.
In this quote, Jane Elliott emphasizes that racism is not a genetic predisposition, but rather a societal construct that individuals learn through cultural and historical influences. She argues that just as racism can be taught, it can also be unlearned, highlighting the importance of education and awareness in dismantling prejudiced beliefs and promoting equality.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a diversity training session to encourage discussions about overcoming racism.
White people’s number one freedom, in the United States of America, is the freedom to be totally ignorant of those who are other than white. We don’t have to learn about those who are other than white. And our number two freedom is the freedom to deny that we’re ignorant.
We dont know anything about racism. Weve never experienced it. If words can make a difference in your life for seven minutes, how would it affect you if you heard this every day of your life?
We are still conditioning people in this country and, indeed, all over the globe to the myth of white superiority. We are constantly being told that we don't have racism in this country anymore, but most of the people who are saying that are white. White people think it isn't happening because it isn't happening to them.
This country isn't a melting pot. Think of this country as a stir fry. That's what this country should be. A place where people are appreciated for who they are.
New ideas rarely come from the moderate parties in The Hague or Washington, in Brussels or Westminster. The world's political centres are not the breeding ground for true change, but rather where it comes home to roost.
I think I've really exhausted the magical. It was a lot of fun, but I've put it behind me for the time being.
The Berlin Wall wasn't the only barrier to fall after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Traditional barriers to the flow of money, trade, people and ideas also fell.
Fifteen years ago, if you said business will help save the environment people would have laughed at you. Today, I believe that is a serious proposition.
It's a little bit late in the day for men to object that women are getting outside their proper sphere.
My goal is to achieve a little less injustice in Uruguay, to help the most vulnerable and to leave behind a political way of thinking, a way of looking at the future that will be passed on and used to move forward. There's nothing short-term, no victory around the corner. I will not achieve paradise or anything like that. What I want is to fight for the common good to progress. Life slips by. The way to prolong it is for others to continue your work.
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