Skip to content

Well, sir,” he said, “we’ve got a murder now and then, or…

“Well, sir,” he said, “we’ve got a murder now and then, or we can read about them. Then we’ve got the World Series. You can raise a wind any time over the Pirates or the Yankees, but I guess the best of all is we’ve got the Russians.” “Feelings pretty strong there?” “Oh, sure! Hardly a day goes by…” quote by John Steinbeck
Download Open image
““Well, sir,” he said, “we’ve got a murder now and then, or we can read about them. Then we’ve got the World Series. You can raise a wind any time over the Pirates or the Yankees, but I guess the best of all is we’ve got the Russians.” “Feelings pretty strong there?” “Oh, sure! Hardly a day goes by somebody doesn’t take a belt at the Russians.” ... I asked, “Anybody know any Russians around here?” And now he went all out and laughed. “Course not. That’s why they’re valuable. Nobody can find fault with you if you take out after the Russians.””

John Steinbeck

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 jokes that Russians are a convenient scapegoat, highlighting how people often blame outsiders for frustrations.

In simple terms: Russians are used as a scapegoat.

Key Takeaway

Don’t blame others for personal issues.

Themes

humor scapegoat politics frustration

Mood

witty ironic

Type

satirical observational

When to use this quote

  • everyday conversation
  • political satire
  • workplace banter

Key Concepts

social dynamics blame outgroup bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who do you blame for your problems?
  • How does scapegoating affect group cohesion?
A Different Perspective

Blaming others can prevent self‑reflection and responsibility.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Steinbeck

Explore all 1,589 John Steinbeck quotes

More Russians quotes

Browse all 253 Russians quotes