Civilization Quote by Derrick Jensen
““I'm reasonably certain, salmon, swordfish, and hammerhead sharks do not find themselves paralyzed by spasms of self-blame for their plight - What could I do differently to placate these people? If only I were a better fish they would not hate me - but instead know precisely who is killing them. The same can be said for the indigenous. You can't get much clearer than Sitting Bull, who said, when forced to speak at a celebration of the completion of a railroad through what had been his people's land: "I hate you. I hate you. I hate all the white people. You are thieves and liars. You have taken away our land and made us outcasts, so I hate you." It's important to note, by the way, that the white translator did not speak these words, but instead the "friendly, courteous speech he had prepared." [Glaspell, Kate Eldridge. "Incidents in the Life of a Pioneer." North Dakota Historical Quarterly, 1941, 187-88.]””
About This Quote
Source Article: “Incidents in the Life of a Pioneer” by Kate Eldridge, North Dakota Historical Quarterly, 1941
The quote highlights how oppressed peoples are blamed for their suffering while the true perpetrators remain silent or euphemistic, urging direct acknowledgment of responsibility.
In simple terms: People are blamed for their own oppression while the real cause is ignored.
Key Takeaway
Name the oppressor and stop hiding behind polite language.
Themes
justice
colonialism
responsibility
voice
silence
Mood
anger
defiance
urgency
Type
political
historical
activist
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- policy reform
- community dialogue
- media representation
Key Concepts
blame shifting
colonial guilt
historical trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- Who is being blamed for their own plight?
- How does language shape power dynamics?
A Different Perspective
Polite language can mask complicity, making accountability harder to achieve.
