Affliction Quote by Jane Elliott
“Racism is a learned affliction and anything that is learned can be unlearned”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Anti‑racism workshop, 1970s
Racism is taught, therefore it can be unlearned through education and conscious effort.
In simple terms: Prejudice is learned and can be undone.
Key Takeaway
Challenge and change learned biases.
Themes
prejudice
learning
change
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- schools
- workplaces
- community programs
- family discussions
Key Concepts
social conditioning
education
neuroplasticity
Questions to Reflect On
- What methods best unlearn prejudice?
- How can societies support unlearning racism?
A Different Perspective
Deep‑seated biases may resist quick change.
![“May I strike my heart's keys clearly, and may none fail because of slack, uncertain, or fraying strings. May the tears that stream down my face make me more radiant: may my hidden weeping bloom… How we waste our afflictions!... [T]hey're really our wintering foliage, our dark greens of meaning…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c7/rainer-maria-rilke-193_abode_may-i-strike-my-heart-s-keys-clearly-and_52479.jpg)
