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Quote by Audre Lorde

Work

The Cancer Journals

The Cancer Journals is a poignant and reflective work that combines poetry and prose to explore the author's journey through cancer. It delves into the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of the illness, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of the human experience. more

Author

Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde, an American writer, poet, and speaker, was born on February 18, 1934, and passed away on November 17, 1992. Known for her profound insights into race, gender, and sexual orientation, her work encompasses poetry, prose, and novels, which have had a profound impact on contemporary literature and social movements. more

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“Kevin Danaher: Our principle of unity was that we were going to nonviolently try to shut them [i.e. the World Trade Organization (WTO)] down. It wasn't asking for reform, it was abolition. We abolished slavery. We abolished prohibition on women voting. We abolished certain civil rights abuses. These institutions need to be abolished. They are bad institutions. But the protesting conduct has to be nonviolent. [As quoted by DW Gibson.]”

“Lisa Fithian: The direct action element always brings the energy, attracts young people, but it is also the primary way in which we're building culture. Because all of these movements have to have culture the songs, the music, the visuals. Culture's life. And we're dealing with a culture of death in the U.S. We need to have an alternative. So, we were embodying a culture of life. [As quoted by DW Gibson.]”

“Arabi Azadi Ashiqui (The Sonnet) The more you persecute a certain community, the more you'll find me your fiercest enemy. Defending that community with my last breath, I shall remind you of your own utter futility. The more you dehumanize a certain people, more you'll find me your uncorrupt impediment. The people will be safe, even if I'm annihilated - In the process, world will witness your impotence. More you criminalize a certain community, more in my eyes you lose right to dignity. Honor is earned through behavior, not by excuse of throne, scripture or nationality. Systemically propagate fear all you want - In the end, you're at mercy of my civilian judgment. Belonging is my bible, conscience is my koran - Behave like a bully, and I'm your celestial guardian. Whenever intolerance raises its fangs, hiding behind menorah, saffron or crucifix, Every Samaritan must become Samurai - Every Civilian - Arabi, Azadi, Ashiqui!”

“There is a karbala in each of you, there is a kurukshetra in each of you, there is a jerusalem and chanakkale in each of you. And till you accept defeat out of your own free will, not a force in the world can dampen the daring advances of love and reason.”