Ballet Quote by Misty Copeland
“It's hard to change someone's ideas when they might not even really consciously know that they're being racist, or have racist ideas, just because ballet has been this way for hundreds of years.”
About This Quote
Source Panel: Misty Copeland on racism in ballet, 2022
Changing entrenched racist ideas is hard because they are often unconscious and historic.
In simple terms: Racist ideas are hidden and old.
Expose and challenge hidden biases.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dance schools
- artistic direction
- public outreach
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can institutions take to uncover bias?
- How can individuals recognize their own assumptions?
Some may think tradition protects art, yet it can perpetuate bias.