Parenting Quote by Audre Lorde
““I wish to raise a Black man who will not be destroyed by, nor settle for, those corruptions called power by the white fathers who mean his destruction as surely as they mean mine. I wish to raise a Black man who will recognize that the legitimate objects of his hostility are not women, but the particulars of a structure that programs him to fear and despise women as well as his own Black self.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 1980s, Audre Lorde on race and gender
The quote calls for raising Black men who resist oppressive power structures and reject misogyny, recognizing that hostility should target systemic oppression, not individuals.
In simple terms: Raise Black men to fight systems, not people.
Key Takeaway
Teach critical awareness of power and sexism.
Themes
race
gender
power
identity
resistance
Mood
determined
hopeful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
social commentary
When to use this quote
- education
- family upbringing
- community mentorship
- activist training
Key Concepts
intersectionality
systemic oppression
masculinity
self‑esteem
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we teach young men to distinguish systemic oppression from personal bias?
- What role does community play in reshaping identity?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook personal agency and the complexity of individual experiences within oppressive systems.
