This quote by Nadine Gordimer encapsulates a profound moral conviction and a challenge to societal injustices, particularly racism. It reflects a powerful statement of allegiance to the fight against inequality and a steadfast refusal to accept guilt for actions rooted in the pursuit of justice. The structure of the quote cleverly inverts common logical assumptions about guilt and innocence. In saying that she would only be guilty if she were innocent of fighting racism, Gordimer asserts that her moral standing and identity are inseparable from her activism. This means that any accusation of guilt, in her view, would have to be based on a false premise — that she did not oppose racism.

Moreover, this statement speaks to the broader context of apartheid-era South Africa, from which Gordimer's writing often emerged. It highlights the ethical imperative to resist unjust systems, regardless of legal definitions or social pressures. By positioning opposition to racism as a foundational truth, the quote encourages readers to reconsider the definitions of guilt and innocence in a fraught moral and political landscape.

In a more universal sense, the quote invites reflection on the courage required to stand against systemic oppression and the complexities of navigating guilt and responsibility. It offers a lens through which activists and individuals struggling for justice can view their efforts — as undeniably righteous and essential rather than subject to the misleading moral judgments imposed by unjust societies.

Ultimately, Gordimer's words challenge us to reconsider the dynamics of right and wrong in the contexts of resistance and advocacy, underscoring the ethical obligation to stand firm against hatred and discrimination.