The beautiful came to this city [Hollywood] in huge…
![“The beautiful came to this city [Hollywood] in huge pathetic herds, to suffer, to be humiliated, to see the powerful currency of their beauty devalued like the Russian ruble or Argentine peso;to work as bellhops, as bar hostesses, as garbage collectors, as maids. The city was a cliff and they were…” quote by Salman Rushdie](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/b8c/salman-rushdie-153_bars_the-beautiful-came-to-this-city-hollywoo_2510447.jpg)
“The beautiful came to this city [Hollywood] in huge pathetic herds, to suffer, to be humiliated, to see the powerful currency of their beauty devalued like the Russian ruble or Argentine peso;to work as bellhops, as bar hostesses, as garbage collectors, as maids. The city was a cliff and they were its stampeding lemmings. At the foot of the cliff was the valley of the broken dolls.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He describes Hollywood as a place where beauty is exploited, leading to humiliation and devaluation, likening it to a cliff of broken dreams.
In simple terms: Hollywood turns beauty into a harsh, demeaning industry.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist the commodification of appearance.
Themes
beauty
exploitation
industry
illusion
social critique
Mood
cynical
melancholic
Type
cultural critique
observational
When to use this quote
- career choice
- media literacy
- mental health support
- advocacy for fair labor
Key Concepts
economic disparity
celebrity culture
Questions to Reflect On
- What can be done to protect those vulnerable in entertainment?
- How does society value beauty versus talent?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may overlook individuals who thrive and find agency within the system.