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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

  • social justice
  • workplace dynamics
  • community building

Putting it to work

  • reject racial prejudice
  • build inclusive environments

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

  1. 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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  2. Opportunity is like a bald-headed man with only a patch of hair right in front. You have to grab that hair, grasp the opportunity while it's confronting you, e…

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  3. There is no power on earth, that can neutralize the influence of a high, pure, simple and useful life.

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