Appalled Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
![“I was just really appalled, and I really kept quiet until I saw the governor [Rick Perry] get on and repeat the same words that the prosecution had used in the penalty phase: that he [Todd Willingham] was a monster. And that got me to get on to the computer and connect with some of the media and…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/45a/elizabeth-gilbert-131_caring_i-was-just-really-appalled-and-i-really_3201356.jpg)
“I was just really appalled, and I really kept quiet until I saw the governor [Rick Perry] get on and repeat the same words that the prosecution had used in the penalty phase: that he [Todd Willingham] was a monster. And that got me to get on to the computer and connect with some of the media and say: "I have his letters. He wasn't a monster. He was a caring individual." Let them see another side.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Atlantic, 2014
The speaker felt compelled to defend a condemned man by sharing his humanity against dehumanizing rhetoric.
In simple terms: Defend the accused by showing his humanity.
Key Takeaway
Speak up for truth.
Themes
justice
compassion
media
advocacy
Mood
determined
empathetic
Type
advocacy
defensive
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- social media activism
- public discourse
- family discussions
Key Concepts
dehumanization
public perception
legal ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we humanize those labeled as monsters?
- What role does media play in shaping perceptions?
A Different Perspective
Counterpoint: Public opinion may resist changing entrenched narratives.
![“I take risks, if you want to call it a risk. All the people running for president, last time, you know, they all came to visit me or meet me. They all wanted my endorsement and I endorsed [Rick] Perry at that time. He wasn't that well-liked either, but you have to do what you have to do.” quote by Joe Arpaio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/90d/joe-arpaio-9065_endorsements_i-take-risks-if-you-want-to-call-it-a-ri_788125.jpg)
![“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)
![“I think Gypsy [Rose Lee] would be appalled at today's rawer, more blatant displays of the female form. She was, in her own way, a prude.” quote by Karen Abbott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/35c/karen-abbott-13658_appalled_i-think-gypsy-rose-lee-would-be-appalled_10445.jpg)
