"It really was harmful because it makes it feel for women, for LGBTQ folks, for even white men too, that there are only these tokens and that’s not the case. What it does is reinforce white supremacy, it reinforces patriarchy. It’s harmful to everyone, not just the people who are being erased."

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“I try to give folks the tools and resources to be a part of a movement…I'm a very strong believer in the idea that everybody has a place in the movement.”

“I just haven't experienced a lot of the ridiculousness, you know? I haven't been around that long…I’m constantly shocked. Whenever I'm doing work, a large part of that work is going to be reacting, and I don't think that's a bad thing necessarily — me being surprised but still wanting to change things.”

“It’s really challenging that idea of who is a hero, who has made contributions to society, but then also not historicizing it, so we’re really putting it in the present because that’s what modern media is so much about…”

Resonant Thoughts

"I learned to pay attention to the readers and not to the madness…Because to be a writer in Turkey is a bit like being kissed on one cheek and slapped on the other."

— Elif Shafak

Literature1971

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"I would rather not be called "Yang Berhormat" as long as I get to travel business class. It's not about being ashamed, but on long-distance travel, economy class can be quite tiring."

— Ibrahim Ali

Politics1957

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"I reduced painting to its logical conclusion and exhibited three canvases: red, blue and yellow. I affirmed: it's all over. Basic colors. Every plane is a plane and there is to be no representation."

— Alexander Rodchenko

Art1891–1956

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"Every day you are being abused by the press and by the sections that had abused us for millennia. If you stand by us, you will get your share of abuse."

— V. P. Singh

Politics1931–2008

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