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Class Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich

“Even when uttered by Democrats, "middle class" often sounds like a mealymouthed way of saying, "Us, and not them," where "them" includes poor people, snake handlers and those with pierced tongues.” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
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“Even when uttered by Democrats, "middle class" often sounds like a mealymouthed way of saying, "Us, and not them," where "them" includes poor people, snake handlers and those with pierced tongues.”

Barbara Ehrenreich

About This Quote

The term “middle class” is often used to exclude the poor and other marginalized groups.

In simple terms: “Middle class” can be a divisionary label.

Key Takeaway

Watch language that marginalizes.

Themes

politics class language

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political social

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • public discourse
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

social exclusion political rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who is left out by such labels?
  • How does language shape perception?
A Different Perspective

Over‑simplification can obscure real issues.

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