Choice Quote by Miriam Makeba
“If given a choice, I would have certainly selected to be what I am: one of the oppressed instead of one of the oppressors.”
About This Quote
Source Song: "The Oppressed", 1970
Choosing to identify with the oppressed reflects solidarity and moral stance against oppression.
In simple terms: Choosing oppression over oppressor.
Key Takeaway
Stand with the marginalized.
Themes
social justice
solidarity
identity
Mood
empathetic
determined
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- community organizing
- personal identity
Key Concepts
ethical choice
political activism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be oppressed?
- How can allies act responsibly?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize victimhood.
![“He [Belafonte] was a good teacher and looked after me. He said, 'You have such great talent, you must try not to be a tornado - be like a submarine. It was good advice when I found myself speaking at the UN Committee Against Apartheid and then the UN General Assembly.” quote by Miriam Makeba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e74/miriam-makeba-14520_advice_he-belafonte-was-a-good-teacher-and-look_491185.jpg)
