Asking Quote by Vijay Prashad
“We are social beings who make communities with an urgency, and it is a stern charge to make us take refuge in the lonely world of oneself. ...Racism attempts to occlude our cosmopolitanism (of the songs in and out of our bones), and it often appropriates our mild forms of xenophobia into its own virulent project. Difference among peoples is something that we negotiate in our everyday interactions, asking questions and being better informed of our mutual realities. To transform difference into the body is an act of bad faith, a denial of our shared nakedness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Global South and the Rise of the New World Order, Vijay Prashad, 2021
Human beings inherently seek community, but racism blocks our natural cosmopolitanism, turning ordinary differences into hostile divisions.
In simple terms: Community is natural; racism blocks it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and bridge differences.
Themes
community
racism
identity
cosmopolitanism
humanity
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- workplace diversity training
- neighborhood relations
- international diplomacy
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
social cohesion
otherness
collective identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do everyday interactions shape our perception of difference?
- What steps can we take to counteract subtle xenophobia?
A Different Perspective
Racism can be deeply entrenched, making change slow and resistant.
