Absolutes Quote by Audre Lorde
“Institutionalized rejection of differences is an absolute necessity in a profit economy which needs outsiders as surplus people. As members of such an economy, we have all been programmed to respond to the human differences between us with fear and loathing and to handle that difference in one of three ways: ignore it, and if that is not possible, copy it if we think it is dominant, or destroy it if we think it is subordinate.”
About This Quote
Capitalist systems rely on marginalizing those who differ, creating a hierarchy of dominance that compels conformity or elimination of perceived 'others'.
In simple terms: Economic pressure forces conformity or eradication of difference.
Key Takeaway
Power structures manipulate fear of otherness.
Themes
Power dynamics
Othering
Capitalism
Social conformity
Fear
Hierarchy
Mood
Critical
Defiant
Analytical
Type
Social critique
Philosophical observation
When to use this quote
- Workplace diversity initiatives
- Political rhetoric on immigration
- Corporate hiring practices
Key Concepts
Surplus labor
Outsider marginalization
Cultural hegemony
Practical Applications
- Design inclusive policies
- Develop anti‑bias training
Questions to Reflect On
- How does economic incentive shape prejudice?
- What alternatives exist to the 'ignore‑copy‑destroy' model?
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
