Claudia Rankine

American poet

Claudia Rankine (/ˈræŋkɪn/; born September 4, 1963) is an American poet, essayist, playwright and the editor of several anthologies. She is the author of five volumes of poetry, two plays and various essays.

Quotes

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  • ...Race is a constructed thing, so if it’s constructed in one direction it could be constructed in another direction...
  • ...I’m not interested in public shaming, but I am interested in accountability...
  • ...None of us should have to be living thinking that if we leave our house, we will be shot for the colour of our skin...
  • ...White people think when I say white privilege I mean economic privilege but I mean white living. The ability to stay alive...
  • ...I think the quarantine has allowed us to really sit with things, as a culture. That’s been good...
  • ... I don’t like telling people what they have to do. I think people should do what they want to do, especially in the realm of creative work. I think you can’t really legislate the imagination...
  • ...You could be on the phone and suddenly you walk into the room and you’re a black man and, according to the white imagination, you’re someone to be targeted, not someone to be welcomed. The space suddenly has no space for you. And all of that has to be negotiated by that person and by you, so it’s something to see...