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About this quote

What does it mean?
She disliked the title First Lady because it felt dehumanizing and passive. She wanted recognition as a person, not a role.
In plain terms
She didn't like the title First Lady because it sounded like an animal or object.
What can you take from it?
Titles that strip agency or personhood can be offensive to those who hold them.

Where it applies

  • discussing titles
  • roles
  • self-identification

Putting it to work

  • challenge objectifying terms
  • value personal identity
  • reject passive labels

Questions to consider

  • Which titles feel dehumanizing to you?
  • How do labels affect your sense of self?

Another view

It dismisses the role's public importance entirely.

More from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

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  2. You are about to have your first experience with a Greek lunch. I will kill you if you pretend to like it.

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  3. Minimum information given with maximum politeness.

    Permalink to quote #8

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