Aliens Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
“I had long ago learned that when you are the giant, alien visitor to a remote and foreign culture it is sort of your job to become an object of ridicule. It’s the least you can do, really, as a polite guest.”
About This Quote
When a dominant outsider visits a new culture, they may intentionally become a subject of ridicule to show respect.
In simple terms: Giant visitor becomes a joke to stay polite.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to bridge cultural gaps.
Themes
culture
humor
respect
Mood
playful
cautious
Type
observational
guidance
When to use this quote
- travel
- expatriate life
Key Concepts
anthropology
social etiquette
Questions to Reflect On
- When is humor inappropriate?
- How to gauge cultural sensitivity?
A Different Perspective
Ridicule can be misinterpreted as disrespect.
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
