"Silence kills the soul; it diminishes its possibilities to rise and fly and explore. Silence withers what makes you human. The soul shrinks, until it's nothing."
About Marlon Riggs
Marlon Riggs — Life and Legacy
Marlon Riggs was a groundbreaking filmmaker and activist whose work profoundly examined the intersections of race, sexuality, and identity. His notable film, 'Tongues Untied,' is a powerful exploration of black gay identity, challenging societal norms and stereotypes through personal narrative and artistic expression. Riggs's core philosophy centered on the idea that identity is multifaceted and often in conflict with societal expectations. In his quote, 'The only way to deal with oppression is to resist it,' he articulates a belief in the necessity of resistance as a means of self-affirmation and empowerment. Riggs's work not only reflected his lived experiences but also served as a catalyst for discussions around race and sexuality in America. His contributions continue to resonate, encouraging audiences to confront and challenge oppressive structures, making his insights and quotes relevant in contemporary discourse.
Quote collection
Marlon Riggs quotes
8 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"My struggle has allowed me to transcend that sense of shame and stigma identified with my being a Black gay man. Having come through the fire, they can't touch me."
"When nobody speaks your name, or even knows it, you, knowing it, must be the first to speak it."
"It is necessary to constantly remind ourselves that we are not an abomination."
"Black men loving black men is THE revolutionary act."
"As long as I have work then I'm not going to die, cause work is a living spirit in me - that which wants to connect with other people and pass on something to them which they can use in their own lives and grow from."
"So much of my life has been about self-effacement, pretense, masquerading, concealment, and indirection."
"Silence is my weapon, silence is my shield."