"The failure of academic feminists to recognize difference as a crucial strength is a failure to reach beyond the first patriarchal lesson. In our world, divide and conquer must become define and empower"

This quote by Audre Lorde speaks with the importance of recognizing distinction and using it as a strength. Lorde is criticizing scholastic feminists for failing to recognize the power of difference and rather sticking to the first patriarchal lesson of divide and conquer. She is recommending that rather of using distinction to divide and oppress, we must use it to define and empower. This is an important message in today's world, where difference is often used to create divisions and inequality. By recognizing and commemorating distinction, we can produce a more fair and just society. Lorde's words remind us that difference need to be viewed as a strength, not a weakness. We should use it to empower and unite, instead of divide and dominate.