Skip to content

You think you're the foreigner here, and I'm the American…

“You think you're the foreigner here, and I'm the American, and I just look the other way while the President or somebody sends down this and that . . . to torture people with. But nobody asked my permission, okay? Sometimes I feel like I'm a foreigner, too.” quote by Barbara Kingsolver
Download Open image
“You think you're the foreigner here, and I'm the American, and I just look the other way while the President or somebody sends down this and that . . . to torture people with. But nobody asked my permission, okay? Sometimes I feel like I'm a foreigner, too.”

Barbara Kingsolver

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker feels alienated by policies that harm others, highlighting the paradox of being a by while feeling like an outsider.

In simple terms: Feeling like an outsider while witnessing injustice.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge complicity in harmful systems.

Themes

justice identity complicity

Mood

concerned determined

Type

call to action reflective

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • community dialogue
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

ethical responsibility global citizenship

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you act against policies you oppose?
  • What does being a “foreigner” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Changing systems is complex and may face resistance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Barbara Kingsolver

Explore all 939 Barbara Kingsolver quotes

More Feels quotes

Browse all 38,933 Feels quotes