Enigma Quote by Albert Memmi
“There is a strange kind of tragic enigma associated with the problem of racism. No one, or almost no one, wishes to see themselves as racist; still racism persists, real and tenacious.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Colonizer and the Colonized, 1957
Racism persists because people resist seeing themselves as racist, creating a tragic paradox where denial fuels ongoing prejudice.
In simple terms: People deny being racist, so racism continues.
Key Takeaway
Confront personal bias to break the cycle.
Themes
racism
selfdeception
paradox
Mood
somber
challenging
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education programs
- diversity training
- community dialogues
- policy making
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
social psychology
structural inequality
identity politics
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal biases might you be avoiding?
- How can societies encourage honest self‑examination?
A Different Perspective
Denial may oversimplify complex systemic factors.
