Communication Quote by Audre Lorde
““Whenever the need for some pretense of communication arises, those who profit from our oppression call upon us to share our knowledge with them. In other words, it is the responsibility of the oppressed to teach the oppressors their mistakes. I am responsible for educating teachers who dismiss my children’s culture in school. Black and Third World people are expected to educate white people as to our humanity. Women are expected to educate men. Lesbians and gay men are expected to educate the heterosexual world. The oppressors maintain their position and evade responsibility for their own actions. There is a constant drain of energy which might be better used in redefining ourselves and devising realistic scenarios for altering the present and constructing the future.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House”, 1984
Oppressed are forced to teach oppressors, draining energy that could redefine identity.
In simple terms: Teaching oppressors drains the oppressed.
Key Takeaway
Redirect energy to self‑definition.
Themes
oppression
education
identity
Mood
defiant
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- community building
- self‑care
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
critical theory
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can oppressed protect their energy?
- What alternatives to educating oppressors exist?
A Different Perspective
Oppressed may resist teaching roles.
