Child Quote by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
““Teach her about privilege and inequality and the importance of giving dignity to everyone who does not mean her harm—teach her that the household help is human just like her, teach her always to greet the driver. Link these expectations to her identity—for example, say to her “In our family, when you are a child, you greet those older than you no matter what job they do.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 2015
Teach children to see every person as equal, regardless of job, by linking respect to family values.
In simple terms: Respect all people, no matter their work.
Key Takeaway
Instill dignity and empathy early.
Themes
equality
empathy
family values
Mood
thoughtful
instructive
Type
educational
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- multicultural households
Key Concepts
human dignity
social conditioning
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families model respect for service workers?
- What habits reinforce class bias?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systemic power imbalances beyond individual interactions.
