If I body-shame a woman, it is more a reflection of me being critical of my body, me not being able to keep up to certain standards I have, and so making sure that the women around me feel the same way.
Rupi KaurRead
For some of my young female readers, it will be the first time they will have seen a Punjabi author be successful in the West. Because I'm dealing with topics that aren't always easily discussed, I know they will look up to me, because I would have done the same. So I just want to make sure I do right by them, wherever this takes me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of representation and the responsibility that comes with it.
In this quote, Rupi Kaur reflects on her role as a successful Punjabi author in the West and how her visibility can inspire young female readers from similar backgrounds. She acknowledges the challenges of discussing certain topics and expresses a desire to be a positive role model for those who might look up to her, highlighting the significance of representation in literature and the responsibility to guide and support others along the way.
Themes
RepresentationSuccessInspirationResponsibilityRole Model
In practice
Example use cases
In a keynote speech aimed at young women in literature, you might say, 'As Rupi Kaur discusses, representation matters and can empower future generations.'
More from Rupi Kaur
All quotes →There have been articles saying that all women need to read my book. I ask, why not all men? In fact, that would be even more valuable because we women want to sit down with men and tell them - this is how we feel, this is what we go through.
Rupi KaurRead
When I was little, my dad told me about Anandpur Sahib and the court of Guru Gobind Singh. That we came from a tradition of poets, warriors and artists who created when it was illegal to create... we're groomed to be reckless in the defense of what we feel is right.
Rupi KaurRead
I wasn't entitled to dream so big. The idea of me being a writer wasn't even possible in my mind. Even when I began to write and first published, I couldn't call myself a writer.
Rupi KaurRead
The way a small child might dream of visiting Disneyland, I dreamed of writing books. Never did I think my poems would become that.
Rupi KaurRead
I was always writing for myself. I wrote what I needed to write and hear - that's what makes it powerful.
Rupi KaurRead
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Take wrong turns. Talk to strangers. Open unmarked doors. And if you see a group of people in a field, go find out what they are doing. Do things without always knowing how they'll turn out. You're curious and smart and bored, and all you see is the choice between working hard and slacking off. There are so many adventures that you miss because you're waiting to think of a plan. To find them, look for tiny interesting choices. And remember that you are always making up the future as you go.
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I never thought a role model should be negative.
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Good morning, daddy! Ain't you heard The boogie-woogie rumble Of a dream deferred? Listen closely: You'll hear their feet Beating out and beating out a - You think It's a happy beat? Listen to it closely: Ain't you heard something underneath like a - What did I say? Sure, I'm happy! Take it away! Dream Boogie Hey, pop! Re-bop! Mop! Y-e-a-h!
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Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.
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I'm looking for a way out of here. I can't have it physically, so I'm going to have it intellectually. It was a beautiful thing to ride Seabiscuit in my imagination. And it's just fantastic to be there alongside Louie as he's breaking the NCAA mile record. People at these vigorous moments in their lives - it's my way of living vicariously.
Laura HillenbrandRead