American woman Quote by ZZ Packer
“Be wary of feeling as through there is not enough room at the table. Oftentimes a female Chinese-American might feel as through she is in competition with another Chinese-American woman writer of the same generation. A writer friend of mine calls it the "There Can Only Be One ..." syndrome. This isn't "Survivor." The more good writers, of all walks of life and all ethnicities and persuasions, the better.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, "The One Who Can Be Only One", 2023
The quote warns against seeing limited space for success, especially among similar peers, and urges embracing diverse talent instead of competition.
In simple terms: Don't view success as a zero‑sum game among similar people.
Key Takeaway
Value collaboration over rivalry.
Themes
inclusion
competition
diversity
collaboration
self‑esteem
Mood
reflective
encouraging
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- career networking
- academic conferences
- community panels
Key Concepts
identity politics
scarcity mindset
creative community
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you foster supportive environments for peers?
- What structures reinforce the “only one” mindset?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook systemic barriers that truly limit opportunities for marginalized groups.
