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Bills Quote by Barack Obama

“What used to be racial segregation now mirrors itself in class segregation, this great sorting (has) taken place. It creates its own politics. There are some communities where not only do I not know poor people, I don't even know people who have trouble paying the bills at the end of the month. I…” quote by Barack Obama
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“What used to be racial segregation now mirrors itself in class segregation, this great sorting (has) taken place. It creates its own politics. There are some communities where not only do I not know poor people, I don't even know people who have trouble paying the bills at the end of the month. I just don't know those people. And so there's less sense of investment in those children.”

Barack Obama

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks on Social Inequality, United Nations General Assembly, 2015

Economic class segregation mirrors historic racial segregation, creating separate political interests and reducing empathy for the less privileged.

In simple terms: Class division creates separate worlds and less caring for the poor.

Key Takeaway

Address systemic inequality to foster shared responsibility.

Themes

inequality class politics empathy segregation

Mood

concern reflective urgent

Type

policy social commentary

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • education
  • community outreach
  • wealth distribution

Key Concepts

social stratification political polarization economic disparity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions can reduce class-based empathy gaps?
  • How might policy bridge the divide between affluent and poor communities?
A Different Perspective

Changing entrenched structures is politically challenging and slow.

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