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it was new, what he saw on the Internet, the cool…

“it was new, what he saw on the Internet, the cool statements of superiority so deeply believed in, that anyone not white should, as one person had written, “be exterminated as easily as we do rats.” Gerry didn’t share with his wife the things he read. “Cowards,” he did say. “You can be anonymous…” quote by Elizabeth Strout
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““it was new, what he saw on the Internet, the cool statements of superiority so deeply believed in, that anyone not white should, as one person had written, “be exterminated as easily as we do rats.” Gerry didn’t share with his wife the things he read. “Cowards,” he did say. “You can be anonymous, that’s what’s the trouble with the Internet.” Each night now Gerry took a sleeping pill.””

Elizabeth Strout

About This Quote

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

The internet fuels extremist ideas, leading a man to hide his toxic beliefs from his wife, culminating in despair and self‑medication.

In simple terms: Online hate can isolate and destroy personal relationships.

Key Takeaway

Seek healthy outlets and open dialogue.

Themes

internet radicalization personal secrecy mental health violence

Mood

somber cautionary

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • online communities
  • mental health treatment
  • family dynamics

Key Concepts

psychology of anonymity digital echo chambers addiction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does anonymity affect responsibility?
  • What can families do to address hidden extremist views?
A Different Perspective

Anonymous online spaces can amplify harmful ideologies.

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