Assuming Quote by Alan Bennett
“Deluded liberal that I am, I persist in thinking that those with a streak of sexual unorthodoxy ought to be more tolerant of their fellows than those who lead an entirely godly, righteous and sober life. Illogically, I tend to assume that if you ( Philip Larkin) dream of caning schoolgirls bottoms, it disqualifies you from dismissing half the nation as work-shy.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The History Boys, 2004
The speaker admits a bias that people with non‑traditional sexual preferences should be more tolerant, while judging others harshly based on perceived moral purity.
In simple terms: Bias favors sexual minorities over perceived moral strictness.
Recognize and challenge double standards.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public policy
- media commentary
- educational settings
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal bias affect your judgments?
- Can tolerance be applied consistently?
Bias may overlook individual behavior regardless of sexual orientation.