Skip to content
quotesby

What right do white racist, who believe their race is superior, have for complaining about black racists, who see something special in their own race? What right do black racists, who see a special character in their race, have for complaining about white racists? White men who think their race makes them superior to black men admit the idea of racial difference and authorize and initiate black racists. Black men who proclaim their race - when what they are really proclaiming is the spiritual identity that distinguishes one ethnic group from another - authorize and incite white racists. Peace demands of Nature the recognition of human rights; discrimination is contrary to Nature and to the enemy of peace. Whites who isolate themselves also isolate Negroes. Negroes who isolate themselves incite and isolate whites.

Jose Marti#58

JusticePeaceRacismRightsEquality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Racial supremacy claims by any group authorize discrimination by others. Peace requires recognizing human rights and rejecting isolation.
In plain terms
Claiming racial superiority justifies discrimination against you too.
What can you take from it?
Reject racial superiority to achieve peace and mutual respect.

Where it applies

  • racial relations
  • political discourse
  • international relations

Putting it to work

  • oppose racial superiority
  • promote human rights
  • build solidarity

Questions to consider

  • How does racial superiority harm everyone?
  • What would genuine racial respect look like?

Another view

People may still feel attachment to ethnic identity.

More from Jose Marti

  1. To insist on racial divisions, on racial differences, in an already divided people, is to place obstacles in the way of public and individual happiness, which …

    Permalink to quote #57
  2. In Cuba, there is no fear of a racial war. Men are more than whites, mulattos or Negroes. Cubans are more than whites, mulattos or Negroes. On the field of bat…

    Permalink to quote #59
  3. Everything that divides men, everything that specified, separates or pens them, is a sin against humanity.

    Permalink to quote #56

Related quotes

  1. Entre los Individuos, como entre Las Naciones, El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz.

    Benito JuarezBenito Juarez quote #1
  2. Put simply, we must always remember that separate but equal is not equal.

    Paul MartinPaul Martin quote #4
  3. In this instance of the fire-arms, the Asiatic has been most improperly bracketed with the natives. The British Indian does not need any such restrictions as a…

    Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi quote #4