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Dinner table Quote by Marianne Williamson

“Much of the prejudice against women is stored at an unconscious level. Many of those with the most punishing attitudes towards passionate women -and free women are passionate women – consider themselves social liberals, even feminists. Women’s rights seem to them to be of obvious importance, but…” quote by Marianne Williamson
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““Much of the prejudice against women is stored at an unconscious level. Many of those with the most punishing attitudes towards passionate women -and free women are passionate women – consider themselves social liberals, even feminists. Women’s rights seem to them to be of obvious importance, but what is not obvious to them is how much they conspire to keep the lid on female power. Female power transcends what are thought of as “woman’s issues”. Female power involves women taking part in the conversation either in the public arena or the dinner table, and having the same emotional space in which to do so as men. It means women not having to fear punishment of any kind. It means women not having to worry that they will be considered “unfeminine” if they speak up. It means women really coming out to play and getting support for their playing from men as well as women. Until this is accomplished, political, economic and reproductive freedom will still not be enough. We will not be free until we can speak our minds and our hearts without having to worry that men will crucify us, women will crucify us, the press will crucify us, or our children will be ashamed… Women are still in emotional bondage as long as we feel we have to make a choice between being heard and being loved.””

Marianne Williamson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public talk on gender equality, 2015

The quote argues that unconscious bias and societal pressure suppress women's voices, limiting true equality despite formal rights.

In simple terms: Women are silenced by hidden bias and fear of judgment.

Key Takeaway

Empower women to speak freely without fear.

Themes

gender equality unconscious bias voice empowerment social norms

Mood

determined hopeful critical

Type

inspirational political social commentary

When to use this quote

  • workplace meetings
  • family discussions
  • political debates
  • media interviews

Key Concepts

feminist theory psychology power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we uncover and challenge unconscious bias?
  • What spaces can we create for women’s voices to be valued?
A Different Perspective

Even with legal rights, cultural attitudes can still restrict women's participation.

4.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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