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American Quote by Alexander Berkman

“I have said that there is no "average" American. That is due to the circumstance that the people of the United States differ from each as widely as the parts they live in. The New Yorker is a different specimen of man from the Westerner; the latter is entirely different again from the people of…” quote by Alexander Berkman
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““I have said that there is no "average" American. That is due to the circumstance that the people of the United States differ from each as widely as the parts they live in. The New Yorker is a different specimen of man from the Westerner; the latter is entirely different again from the people of Texas. The Middle West, such States for instance as Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska or Iowa, have an entirely different psychology from that of Florida or Lower California. Their habits of life, their modes of thought, even their language is different. Still further, it must also be considered that millions of foreigners and descendants of foreign born people live in the United States and are part of the entire population that is known as "American". Add to this more than 10 million negroes, not to mention the score of different Indian (red-skin) tribes, who are the real, indigenous Americans. In this conglomeration of races it is impossible to speak of the "average" American, nor can any adequate estimate of American psychology be made on such a basis.””

Alexander Berkman

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The American Identity” published 1915

America’s diversity makes a single “average” impossible; regional and cultural differences shape distinct mindsets.

In simple terms: America is too varied for an average.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and respect regional diversity.

Themes

diversity culture regionalism identity psychology

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

sociological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education curricula
  • media representation
  • community building

Key Concepts

social heterogeneity cultural geography national identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does regional culture affect national policy?
  • In what ways can we honor diverse identities?
A Different Perspective

Overgeneralizing can erase minority experiences.

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