Diversity Quote by Gertrude Stein
“"Native" always means people who belong someplace else, because they had once belonged somewhere. That shows that the white race does not really think they belong anywhere, because they think of everybody else as native.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" by Gertrude Stein, 1933
The concept of “native” is used to imply that the dominant group feels displaced, labeling others as the true natives.
In simple terms: Dominant groups label others as native to avoid feeling displaced.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how language can mask privilege.
Themes
identity
belonging
colonialism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education
- media analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Othering
social construction
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling affect our sense of belonging?
- What alternative narratives can we create?
A Different Perspective
It can oversimplify complex histories of migration.
![“What is the answer?" [ I [Alice B Toklas] was silent ] In that case, what is the question?” quote by Gertrude Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eec/gertrude-stein-667_answer_what-is-the-answer-i-alice-b-toklas-was_43063.jpg)
