“When the missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the missionaries had the Bible. They taught us how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible.”
What this quote means
This quote is a sharp critique of colonialism and cultural imperialism. It denounces how religion was used to dispossess peoples of their lands. It resonates as a warning about unequal power relations and manipulation. It invites vigilance against discourses that claim to bring progress but serve dominant interests, and the need to keep our eyes open.
How to apply it daily
Examine a belief or practice you've adopted without questioning, and trace its origins to discern whether it truly serves your interests.
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