<p>“I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred, he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.” </p>
<p>Is he saying that oppressors are victims as well?</p>
<p>The reason a man oppresses is simply because he is being controlled by his own narrow-mindedness and rage. He is a victim to those traits as much as the oppressed is a victim to him. The oppressed is a victim too. That’s what I’m getting, anyway. Basically what you said.</p>
<p>Seems like it could be a cool opening to an anti-racism speech, or something about bullying. I’ll have to start compiling all the interesting quotes I’ve found for future reference, when I’m giving speeches or writing essays. Thanks for the idea.</p>