Skip to content

Those in the margins are always trying to get to the…

“Those in the margins are always trying to get to the center, and those at the center, frequently in the name of tradition, are trying to keep the margins at a distance.” quote by Anna Deavere Smith
Download Open image
“Those in the margins are always trying to get to the center, and those at the center, frequently in the name of tradition, are trying to keep the margins at a distance.”

Anna Deavere Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She notes that marginalized groups strive for inclusion while dominant groups claim tradition to maintain exclusion, exposing power dynamics in social structures.

In simple terms: Margins push toward center; center resists using tradition.

Key Takeaway

Challenge traditional narratives that sustain inequality.

Themes

social justice power tradition inclusion exclusion identity

Mood

critical hopeful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Community organizing
  • policy reform
  • education curricula
  • media representation

Key Concepts

Structural inequality social mobility cultural hegemony

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we redefine tradition inclusively?
  • What mechanisms keep margins distant?
A Different Perspective

Traditional arguments can be co‑opted to justify oppression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Anna Deavere Smith

Explore all 106 Anna Deavere Smith quotes

More Always trying quotes

Browse all 232 Always trying quotes