Believe Quote by Condoleezza Rice
“I remember at the time of 9/11 that there were women who went out of their way to escort Muslim women to grocery stores because they wanted to be sure that they didn't experience any prejudice. And so I'm not one who believes that America is a country that's intolerant. It's the most tolerant country in the world, and I really think that it's unfortunate that a number of people are trying to paint America with this brush. I just don't see it.”
About This Quote
The speaker argues that America remains fundamentally tolerant, citing personal observations of solidarity across religious lines, and rejects narratives that portray the nation as broadly intolerant.
In simple terms: America is fundamentally tolerant despite isolated prejudice.
Key Takeaway
Tolerance persists despite negative stereotypes.
Themes
tolerance
solidarity
national identity
prejudice
media framing
social cohesion
Mood
optimistic
defensive
pragmatic
Type
personal anecdote
defensive rebuttal
civic commentary
When to use this quote
- post‑9/11 community interactions
- public debates on national character
- media narratives about intolerance
- personal experiences of allyship
Key Concepts
interfaith support
civic responsibility
cultural perception
Practical Applications
- public policy communication
- educational curricula on civic values
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal anecdote shape our view of national character?
- What evidence would counter the claim of America’s exceptional tolerance?
A Different Perspective
While many Americans support tolerance, systemic biases and institutional discrimination still affect minority groups, challenging the claim of universal tolerance.
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