Of all forms of slavery there is none that is so harmful and degrading as that form of slavery which tempts one human being to hate another by reason of his race or color. One man cannot hold another man down in the ditch without remaining down in the ditch with him.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Racial hatred is the most degrading form of slavery for both the oppressor and the oppressed. Suppressing others ultimately suppresses oneself.
- In plain terms
- Hating someone because of race harms both people equally.
- What can you take from it?
- Lifting others up lifts you too; holding them down drags you down.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does prejudice affect you directly?
- What stops you from lifting others?
Another view
It may oversimplify the complex power dynamics in systemic racism.
More from Booker T. Washington
The world cares very little what you or I know, but it does care a great deal about what you or I do.
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