[…] being called a 'bad citizen' is a compliment to a…
![“[…] being called a 'bad citizen' is a compliment to a novelist, at least to my mind. That's exactly what we ought to do. We ought to be bad citizens. We ought to, in the sense that we're writing against what power represents, and often what government represents, and what the corporation dictates…” quote by Don DeLillo](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/937/don-delillo-294_citizen_being-called-a-bad-citizen-is-a-complime_2843752.jpg)
““[…] being called a 'bad citizen' is a compliment to a novelist, at least to my mind. That's exactly what we ought to do. We ought to be bad citizens. We ought to, in the sense that we're writing against what power represents, and often what government represents, and what the corporation dictates, and what consumer consciousness has come to mean. In that sense, if we're bad citizens, we're doing our job.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Being a “bad citizen” means challenging power structures through writing, which is a writer’s duty.
In simple terms: Bad citizens resist power through writing.
Key Takeaway
Write to question authority.
Themes
activism
literature
political critique
Mood
provocative
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- journalism
- art activism
- social media campaigns
Key Concepts
novelists
media
culture
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do writers have to society?
- How can dissent be expressed responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Not all writers aim to be subversive.