Best Quote by John Edgar Wideman
“How do you talk about the Holocaust? How do you talk about slavery? Probably the best thing to do is just be quiet and hide from it, forget about it. Except, then it jumps up and bites you. Because it's there.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 1990s, John Edgar Wideman
Ignoring historic atrocities leads to their resurfacing and personal harm.
In simple terms: Silence lets trauma return.
Key Takeaway
Confront history, speak truth.
Themes
memory
history
trauma
responsibility
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- public discourse
- personal healing
- policy making
Key Concepts
collective memory
ethical responsibility
psychological impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we discuss painful history responsibly?
- What role does education play in preventing recurrence?
A Different Perspective
Silence can also protect vulnerable individuals from re-traumatization.
