Choices Quote by Andrea Dworkin
“The essence of oppression is that one is defined from the outside by those who define themselves as superior by criteria of their own choice.”
About This Quote
Oppression occurs when groups define themselves as superior and label others by those standards.
In simple terms: Oppression is about defining others from a position of self‑claimed superiority.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge self‑imposed hierarchies.
Themes
power
identity
inequality
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- educational curricula
- activist movements
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social constructs
self‑definition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify when a definition is oppressive?
- What alternatives exist to self‑imposed hierarchies?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that self‑definition can be empowering rather than oppressive.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
