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I know ours is a world made by men for men, their dictatorship is so ancient it even extends to language.
Oriana Fallaci
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote critiques the male-dominated structures of society, suggesting that even language is influenced by this dynamic.

Oriana Fallaci's quote reflects on the enduring influence of patriarchal systems in our world, asserting that these structures are deeply embedded in various aspects of life, including language itself. She points out that the dictatorial nature of this male-centric culture is not just a modern issue but has historical roots that permeate our everyday communications and interactions.

Themes

PatriarchyLanguageSocietyPowerMenDictatorshipCultural Influence

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on gender equality, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for inclusive language.

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I leave shreds of my soul on every experience.
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A lot of women ask themselves why they should bring a child into the world? So that it will be hungry, so that it will be cold, so that it will be betrayed and humiliated, so that it will be slaughtered by war or disease? They reject the hope that its hunger will be satisfied, its cold warmed, that loyalty and respect will accompany it through life, that it will be a devote a life to the effort to eliminate war and disease.
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You cannot govern, you cannot administrate, with an ignoramus.
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What are the symbols of American strength, wealth, power and modernity? Certainly not jazz and rock and roll, not chewing-gum or hamburgers, Broadway or Hollywood. It's their skyscrapers. Their Pentagon. Their science. Their technology.
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I am known for a life spent in the struggle for freedom, and freedom includes the freedom of religion.
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I'm going to show you the real New York - witty, smart, and international - like any metropolis. Tell me this: where in Europe can you find old Hungary, old Russia, old France, old Italy? In Europe you're trying to copy America, you're almost American. But here you'll find Europeans who immigrated a hundred years ago - and we haven't spoiled them. Oh, Gio! You must see why I love New York. Because the whole world's in New York.
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