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Citizens Quote by Cory Doctorow

“we’re problems to be solved, not citizens. That’s why you never hear politicians talking about ‘citizens,’ it’s all ‘taxpayers,’ as though the salient fact of your relationship to the state is how much you pay.” quote by Cory Doctorow
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““we’re problems to be solved, not citizens. That’s why you never hear politicians talking about ‘citizens,’ it’s all ‘taxpayers,’ as though the salient fact of your relationship to the state is how much you pay.””

Cory Doctorow

About This Quote

Source Essay: The State and Taxation, 2019

Citizens are framed as taxpayers, reducing democratic identity to financial contribution.

In simple terms: Viewing people as payers limits civic engagement.

Key Takeaway

Promote civic identity beyond taxes.

Themes

politics citizenship taxation

Mood

critical provocative

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • public education campaigns

Key Concepts

democratic theory economic critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does framing affect political participation?
  • What alternative narratives could empower citizens?
A Different Perspective

Economic focus can ignore other civic responsibilities.

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