Big Quote by Emily Thornberry
“We have all these strong men in politics - whether it's Brazil, or the Philippines, or Trump, or Putin. They're all big men: it's let's look up to them, don't be afraid, they're looking after things. It's so fundamentally anti-democratic.”
About This Quote
Celebrating dominant male leaders undermines democratic values and encourages authoritarianism.
In simple terms: Glorifying strong men in politics threatens democracy.
Key Takeaway
Question hero worship in politics.
Themes
democracy
authoritarianism
leadership
gender
political culture
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- media coverage
- public rallies
Key Concepts
power concentration
masculine ideals
Practical Applications
- promote diverse leadership
- educate on democratic principles
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hero worship affect civic engagement?
- What alternatives to strong‑man politics exist?
A Different Perspective
Some may view strong leaders as necessary stability.
![“Most of them [American politicians] are men of undoubted charm, ability, and incredible energy, and yet too often they lack purpose or appetite for anything beyond their own careers. With few notable exceptions, they are simply men who want to be loved.” quote by Edward R. Murrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2e/edward-r-murrow-7369_ability_most-of-them-american-politicians-are-me_899911.jpg)
