Cherries Quote by Edward Abbey
“Except for the scale of the operation, there was nothing unusual about Hitler's massacre of the Jews. Genocide's an old tradition, as human as mother love or cherry pie.”
About This Quote
The quote argues that genocide is a recurring human behavior, not unique to any one regime, emphasizing its deep-rooted presence throughout history.
In simple terms: Genocide is a persistent human pattern.
Key Takeaway
Genocide is historically ordinary.
Themes
historical continuity
human nature
moral relativism
violence
collective memory
Mood
somber
reflective
critical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- studying past atrocities
- educational curricula
- human rights advocacy
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
genocide
historical patterns
human behavior
morality
Practical Applications
- historical analysis
- ethical debates
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing genocide as 'ordinary' affect prevention efforts?
- What moral responsibilities arise when we recognize genocide as a recurring human trait?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that framing genocide as ordinary risks normalizing extreme violence and undermining accountability.
