Caged Birds, Camels & Needles

I've just finished listening to Maya Angelou read "I know why the Caged Bird Sings." It was my first time reading it - I'm so glad I did.

Maya's language is rich and powerful, almost exotic. Her prose and imagery so evocative - I relate and feel it in my gut when I read what she has to say.

Here I am contemplating her impact on the world.

I was particularly struck by her comments on how the teachings of the bible, especially certain lessons (see quote below), could be used to encourage the oppressed to accept their poverty and see themselves as deserving of rewards in the afterlife only (a sort of delayed reward). This belief has enabled, and ensured the continuance of, an unfair system that was advantageous to the rich and powerful. What a manipulative tool!

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Maya was so insightful, an individual thinker, definitely not a sheep.