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Put 'em who threaten possessions and power together with…

“Put 'em who threaten possessions and power together with 'em who offend our tastes in sex and dope. Those who're touched, put 'em in asylums. Pack off old ones to 'senior communities,' nursing homes. Our children? Keep'em prisoner, baby-sitter as warden. School? Good for fifteen to twenty years…” quote by John Cage
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““Put 'em who threaten possessions and power together with 'em who offend our tastes in sex and dope. Those who're touched, put 'em in asylums. Pack off old ones to 'senior communities,' nursing homes. Our children? Keep'em prisoner, baby-sitter as warden. School? Good for fifteen to twenty years. Army afterward. Liberated, we live in prison. No this, no that. Kill us before we die!””

John Cage

About This Quote

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

The passage depicts a dystopian vision of oppression, confinement, and violence against dissenters.

In simple terms: It describes a grim, authoritarian society that punishes those who differ.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and resist authoritarian tendencies.

Themes

oppression violence control society rebellion

Mood

dark alarmist

Type

political warning

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • social justice work
  • mental health support

Key Concepts

totalitarianism human rights psychological trauma

Questions to Reflect On

  • What real‑world parallels exist?
  • How can societies protect freedoms?
A Different Perspective

Extreme language may be hyperbolic.

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