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Evan Prodromou@evan@cosocial.ca (2026-05-29 11:20:53)
Reminded of the Audrey Lord quote by @majorlinux: "For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house."
This is a weird quote because it doesn't really follow within the logic of the metaphor. Why wouldn't his tools dismantle his house?
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bignose@bignose@sw-development-is.social (2026-05-29 11:31:09)
As so often, @evan, this historical quote taken out of its historical context does not completely encapsulate the meaning.
A more complete quotation of Audre Lorde's words:
“For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us to temporarily beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.”
@majorlinux
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bignose@bignose@sw-development-is.social (2026-05-29 11:32:37)
The quote is taken from the title of an essay, so that's not a great surprise it's the only text people repeat.
“Lorde’s message is clear: in order to create real change, we must reject the systems and structures that uphold power imbalances and instead create our own tools and methods for dismantling them. This requires a deep understanding of the ways in which power operates and a commitment to challenging and transforming it.”
https://literarysum.com/deconstructing-power-analyzing-audre-lordes-the-masters-tools-will-never-dismantle-the-masters-house/
@evan @majorlinux