Skip to content

Observe immigrants not as they come travel-wan up the…

“Observe immigrants not as they come travel-wan up the gang-plank, nor as they issue toil-begrimed from the pit's mouth or mill-gate, but in their gatherings, washed, combed, and in their Sunday best… [They] are hirsute, low-browed, big-faced persons of obviously low mentality... They simply look…” quote by Edward Alsworth Ross
Download Open image
“Observe immigrants not as they come travel-wan up the gang-plank, nor as they issue toil-begrimed from the pit's mouth or mill-gate, but in their gatherings, washed, combed, and in their Sunday best… [They] are hirsute, low-browed, big-faced persons of obviously low mentality... They simply look out of place in black clothes and stiff collar, since clearly they belong in skins, in wattled huts at the close of the Great Ice Age. These ox-like men are descendants of those who always stayed behind.”

Edward Alsworth Ross

About This Quote

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

The author describes immigrants in derogatory, dehumanizing terms, reflecting racial prejudice and fear of the "other."

In simple terms: Immigrants are portrayed as inferior and threatening.

Key Takeaway

Challenge stereotypes and promote empathy.

Themes

racism immigration prejudice social hierarchy

Mood

critical historical

Type

analytical controversial

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • community integration
  • education curricula
  • media representation

Key Concepts

social Darwinism ethnocentrism cultural bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies counter xenophobic narratives?
  • What policies foster inclusion?
A Different Perspective

Such views ignore individual humanity and can fuel discrimination.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Edward Alsworth Ross

Explore all 7 Edward Alsworth Ross quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes