Barbarians Quote by Elswyth Thane
““It is always the Germans who cause the trouble, what is it about Germans that they must molest and oppress?..." "They have never been civilized," said Sosthene..."They were never conquered by Roman. They remain barbarians." Phoebe stared at him. It was a viewpoint... "One is perhaps inclined to forget that even here in Britain that were four hundred years of the Pax Romana," he said gently. "In Germany, no -- only the Vandals and the Goths. Every so often they burst out. It is in the breed.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unnamed Historical Fiction (author unknown)
The passage reflects a stereotype that blames an entire nation for historical aggression, ignoring nuanced causes and context.
In simple terms: Blaming all Germans for trouble is a harmful stereotype.
Challenge stereotypes with historical nuance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- media analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize and counter national stereotypes?
- What historical factors complicate simple blame?
Stereotypes oversimplify complex histories and can fuel prejudice.