This quote by Hilton Als speaks to the way racism operates within society. It suggests that racism creates a desire to categorize people based on skin color or ethnicity, thereby separating them from others and ignoring their humanity and individuality. By doing so, it shuts out the rich diversity of human experience that exists around us, treating individuals as stereotypes rather than unique beings.
At its core, Als is highlighting how racial prejudice narrows our perspective by promoting division instead of unity. When we view people solely through a lens of race, we risk missing out on understanding their full complexity and humanity. This form of thinking can lead to the dehumanization of others and prevent us from forming meaningful connections with those who differ from us in appearance or cultural background. By rejecting such categorizations, individuals open themselves up to seeing the world as it truly is: a vibrant tapestry of diverse lives and stories.
Hilton Als is an American writer known for his work at The New Yorker, where he writes criticism about theater, film, music, books, and visual art with a focus on African-American artists. His writing often explores themes related to race, culture, and identity in the United States. His insightful commentary on these topics has earned him recognition as one of today's leading voices addressing social issues through an artistic lens.
