It’s not difficult to identify with somebody like yourself, somebody next door who looks like you. What’s more difficult is to identify with someone you don’t see, who’s very far away, who’s a different color, who eats a different kind of food. When you begin to do that then literature is really performing its wonders.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote highlights the importance of empathy and the power of literature to help us connect with people who are different from us. The speaker emphasizes that it is easy to relate to people who are similar to us, but the challenge lies in relating to those who are very different, whether in terms of appearance, culture, or nationality. By reading literature, we can bridge this gap and gain a deeper understanding of others.
Who said the quote?
The quote "It's not difficult to identify with somebody like yourself, somebody next door who looks like you. What's more difficult is to identify with someone you don't see, who's very far away, who's a different color, who eats a different kind of food. When you begin to do that then literature is really performing its wonders." was said by Chinua Achebe (Bio / Quotes). Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian author and poet who is best known for his novel "Things Fall Apart.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One compelling historical example of the quote's message can be seen in the impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," published in 1852. This novel was instrumental in humanizing the plight of enslaved African Americans to a predominantly white, Northern audience in the United States.
Before "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the lives and struggles of enslaved people were often distant, abstract concepts for many in the North. The brutal realities of slavery were largely confined to the South, and Northern readers were more familiar with the stereotypical or simplistic portrayals of enslaved individuals. Stowe's novel, however, brought these distant and unfamiliar experiences into the homes and hearts of readers who had never before confronted the harshness of slavery on a personal level.
Through vivid storytelling and complex character development, Stowe allowed readers to empathize with individuals who were very different from themselves. The novel presented a narrative that crossed racial, geographical, and cultural boundaries, showing Northern readers a reality that was foreign and difficult to relate to on their own. By creating characters that readers could care about and root for, Stowe made the suffering of enslaved people a tangible and immediate concern for her audience.
The widespread popularity of the book played a significant role in galvanizing anti-slavery sentiment in the North and contributing to the broader abolitionist movement. It exemplified how literature can bridge gaps between different experiences and foster empathy where there was previously none.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In a real-life scenario, the quote's message can be applied to understanding and addressing issues of social and cultural diversity. For instance, consider the challenge of fostering inclusion in a workplace that is diverse but where members from different backgrounds struggle to understand each other's experiences.
Imagine a company with employees from various cultural backgrounds—some are immigrants, others are from different ethnicities, and all have unique cultural practices. The challenge for the company is to move beyond mere tolerance and actively promote a culture of empathy and understanding.
One effective approach could be to create opportunities for employees to share their personal stories and cultural practices in structured, respectful settings. For example, organizing cultural exchange events or storytelling sessions can allow employees to learn about each other's traditions, challenges, and perspectives. These events can help employees who are not familiar with certain backgrounds to connect on a personal level, seeing their colleagues as individuals rather than stereotypes or distant others.
Moreover, incorporating literature, films, or other media that highlight diverse experiences into training programs can provide employees with a broader perspective on the realities faced by their colleagues. This can be particularly effective if the content is chosen to resonate with the company's specific cultural context and the challenges it faces.
By applying the quote's message, companies and individuals can move beyond superficial understanding and build deeper, more meaningful connections. This approach helps create an environment where empathy is not just a buzzword but a fundamental aspect of everyday interactions, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and harmonious workplace.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
