Equality and self-determination should never be divided in the name of religious or ideological fervor.

Rita Dove’s quote, "Equality and self-determination should never be divided in the name of religious or ideological fervor," emphasizes the inseparability of equality and self-determination in the face of religious or ideological forces. Dove argues that no belief system, whether religious or ideological, should be allowed to override the fundamental human rights to equality and the ability to determine one’s own life and choices. The quote critiques the way that certain doctrines or ideologies can be used to justify the oppression or marginalization of others, particularly in denying them their basic rights to freedom and self-expression.

The phrase suggests that religious or ideological fervor—when taken to extremes—can sometimes be wielded as tools of control or injustice, used to divide people and deny them the very rights that should be universal. Dove is calling for a world where personal freedom and self-determination are not sacrificed or compromised in the name of any external system that seeks to impose limitations on individual liberty. This speaks to the dangers of extremism or dogma, which can manipulate people’s beliefs to strip away the autonomy of those deemed "different" or "other."

The origin of this quote can be understood within Dove’s broader literary and political perspectives. As a renowned poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, Dove has often explored themes of identity, freedom, and social justice in her work. She has been an advocate for equality, particularly in the context of race and gender, and has critiqued systems that limit individuals' ability to exercise their own agency. Dove’s writing often highlights the importance of personal autonomy in the face of societal pressures or historical injustices.

Ultimately, Dove’s quote is a call to resist the forces that divide and oppress in the name of ideology or religion, and to stand firm in the belief that equality and self-determination are fundamental rights for all people, irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs. It underscores the idea that true freedom can only be achieved when these core values are protected from external influence and exploitation.