America Quote by Don DeLillo
“I think it's only in a crisis that Americans see other people. It has to be an American crisis, of course. If two countries fight that do not supply the Americans with some precious commodity, then the education of the public does not take place. But when the dictator falls, when the oil is threatened, then you turn on the television and they tell you where the country is, what the language is, how to pronounce the names of the leaders, what the religion is all about, and maybe you can cut out recipes in the newspaper of Persian dishes.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: White Noise by Don DeLillo, 1985
Crises reveal how Americans learn about foreign peoples, often only when resources or politics are at stake.
In simple terms: Crises teach Americans about others only when interests are involved.
Key Takeaway
Seek broader understanding beyond crises.
Themes
media
global awareness
political interest
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- news consumption
- educational curricula
- travel planning
Key Concepts
cultural ignorance
resource dependency
media framing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you learn about other cultures?
- What drives your interest in global events?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex international relations.
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