Skip to content

Children, however magical, are not immune to their…

“Children, however magical, are not immune to their parents; and as the prejudices and world-views of adults began to take over their minds, I found children from Maharashtra loathing Gujaratis, and fair-skinned northerners reviling Dravidian “blackies”; there were religious rivalries; and class…” quote by Salman Rushdie
Download Open image
““Children, however magical, are not immune to their parents; and as the prejudices and world-views of adults began to take over their minds, I found children from Maharashtra loathing Gujaratis, and fair-skinned northerners reviling Dravidian “blackies”; there were religious rivalries; and class entered our councils. The rich children turned up their noses at being in such lowly company; Brahmins began to feel uneasy at permitting their thoughts to touch the thoughts of untouchables; while, among the low-born, the pressures of poverty and Communism were becoming evident…and, on top of all this, there were clashes of personality, and a hundred squalling rows which are unavoidable in a parliament composed entirely of half-grown brats.””

Salman Rushdie

About This Quote

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

Children inherit adults’ biases, leading to prejudice, class tension, and conflict within a youthful society.

In simple terms: Kids pick up adult prejudices, causing division.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge inherited biases early.

Themes

prejudice class identity conflict politics

Mood

reflective critical concerned

Type

analytical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • school settings
  • family discussions
  • community workshops
  • political youth groups

Key Concepts

socialization bias transmission power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do adult attitudes shape children's worldviews?
  • What steps can break cycles of inherited bias?
A Different Perspective

Prejudices are deep-rooted and may resist change without active effort.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Salman Rushdie

Explore all 1,087 Salman Rushdie quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,396 Children quotes