Stick together Quote by Betty Smith
““She learned of the class system of a great Democracy. She was puzzled and hurt by teacher’s attitude. Obviously the teacher hated her and others like her for no other reason than that they were what they were. Teacher acted as though they had no right to be in the school but that she was forced to accept them and was doing so with as little grace as possible. She begrudged them the few crumbs of learning she threw at them. Like the doctor at the health center, she too acted as though they had no right to live. It would seem as if all the unwanted children would stick together and be one against the things that were against them. But not so. They hated each other as much as the teacher hated them. They aped teacher's snarling manner when they spoke to each other.””
About This Quote
The passage describes a teacher's discriminatory attitude toward students, leading to mutual hatred and internalized oppression among the students.
In simple terms: Teacher's bias creates division and resentment among students.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge bias in education.
Themes
education
discrimination
power dynamics
identity
resistance
Mood
frustrated
critical
reflective
Type
narrative
social commentary
When to use this quote
- classroom
- teacher training
- student support groups
- policy reform
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
internalized oppression
authority
group dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does authority shape student relationships?
- What can break cycles of mutual hatred?
A Different Perspective
Students may also internalize and replicate oppressive behavior.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)