To suggest things may be going on in our brains that we aren't fully conscious of, that we unknowingly make classist, sexist and racist presumptions... Well, there just aren't many comfortable ways to take that. And in the face of discomfort comes the mask of defence.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the unconscious biases that influence our perceptions and actions.
Michaela Coel's quote raises awareness about the subtle yet powerful biases present in our thoughts and behaviors, illustrating how classism, sexism, and racism can be ingrained in our consciousness without us even realizing it. It also points to the psychological defenses we adopt when confronted with uncomfortable truths about ourselves, suggesting that awareness and introspection are crucial for personal growth and social understanding.
In practice
A speaker addressing unconscious biases during a diversity training session.
In Britain, we need to start presenting the option of being a writer in front of black women. We need to present the idea of being a writer into poorer communities because the majority of black people in this country are working class. We need to let working-class people know that their voices are important.
I don't believe in comedy as a TV genre - I think there's drama that is funny. Because beyond the laughs, there has to be cost, and there has to be heart.
I wanted to write a show about an estate that wasn't sad or morbid, like a lot of shows portray working class life to be.
When you've got African parents, you go to uni, do finance, and go into accounting. But I'm not good with systems. I dropped out in my final year of college to become a Christian poet. Then went back to do my A-levels and went to uni in Birmingham to do political science and theology. I lasted 12 weeks.
Growing up on our estate, we were all different colours, but we were all really poor. I never really realised that black was a problem for some people.
We live in a world where if you're white, an upper-class male of extreme privilege, and able-bodied, and you're nothing that takes you away from that norm, then you're going to have - then the world will not assign you problems because of what you are. That is actually the world we live in.
The boundaries of democracy have to be widened so as to include economic equality also. This is the great revolution through which we are all passing.
In a dream you are never eighty.
My choice is what I choose to do and if I'm causing no harm it shouldn't bother you. Your choice is who you choose to be and if you're causin' no harm, then your alright with me.
The 'frankness' of people sunk below shame is a very cheap frankness.
Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.
The law is constantly based on notions of morality, and if all laws representing essentially moral choices are to be invalidated under the due process clause, the courts will be very busy indeed.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.