Bed Quote by Edmund White
“For most Northerners, Texas is the home of real men. The cowboys, the rednecks, the outspoken self-made right-wing millionaires strike us as either the best or worst examples of American manliness… The ideal is not an illusion nor is it contemptible, no matter what damage it may have done. Many people who scorn it in conversation want to submit to it in bed. Those who believe machismo reeks of violence alone choose to forget it once stood for honor as well.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Farewell Symphony by Edmund White, 1997
The quote reflects on Texas's cultural image of rugged masculinity, noting both admiration and criticism, and how people both reject and secretly desire its traits.
In simple terms: Texas is seen as a symbol of tough, traditional manhood, both praised and mocked.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complexity of cultural stereotypes.
Themes
masculinity
culture
stereotypes
identity
honor
Mood
reflective
critical
contemplative
Type
analytical
observational
cultural
When to use this quote
- social commentary
- personal reflection
- media analysis
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
Americanism
machismo
gender roles
regional identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile admiration for a cultural ideal with its flaws?
- What aspects of machismo appeal to you?
A Different Perspective
Stereotypes can oversimplify and ignore nuanced histories.
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
