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Already they're the objects of narrow sideways looks, as…

“Already they're the objects of narrow sideways looks, as if they had something to do with it; already they've assumed the cornered, angry air of the consciously innocent. I'm sure they're blameless, but they're alive, and whoever's left alive gets blamed. That's the rule in things like this…” quote by Margaret Atwood
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““Already they're the objects of narrow sideways looks, as if they had something to do with it; already they've assumed the cornered, angry air of the consciously innocent. I'm sure they're blameless, but they're alive, and whoever's left alive gets blamed. That's the rule in things like this. Unfair, but there it is.””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

People are judged unfairly, blamed for circumstances beyond their control.

In simple terms: Unfair judgment and blame.

Key Takeaway

Recognize bias.

Themes

justice blame innocence

Mood

critical empathetic

Type

social political

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • media
  • legal system
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

social critique power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who do you see unfairly blamed?
  • How can you challenge such judgments?
A Different Perspective

Not all blame is deserved; context matters.

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