Human race Quote by Rachel Simon
““say these like it’s nothing. Teachers will say, “Obviously in the childlike actions taken by the innocent half-wit Lennie, you can see Steinbeck’s extraordinary literary blah blah blah,” and you’re supposed to go along. I go along because what else can you do? But I can’t go along when kids bungle a book report and smack their heads and say, “I’m such a retard.” Or when someone messes up on the parallel bars in gym, and on the mats below someone else calls out, “What a retard.” You’re supposed to agree that, yes, that would be as bad as getting thrown out of the human race. You’re supposed to laugh. I never laugh. I just stare sharply and say, “My sister’s retarded.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Burden of Language” (hypothetical), 2015
Critiques how casual insults normalize demeaning language and the moral discomfort of silent complicity.
In simple terms: Using slurs casually is harmful and often ignored.
Key Takeaway
Challenge harmful speech.
Themes
ethics
language
social responsibility
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
provocative
When to use this quote
- classroom discussions
- online comments
- parental guidance
Key Concepts
dehumanization
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our perception of others?
- What can you do when hearing a slur?
A Different Perspective
May not account for intent versus impact.
![“both the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant, as both fitted for the times [at which they were given], were bestowed by one and the same God for the benefit of the human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e6/the-church-fathers-1438_grace_both-the-mosaic-law-and-the-grace-of-the_10309.jpg)
