Every day Quote by Fannie Flagg
““It seemed to numerous voters that, thanks to the growing power of the ACLU, criminals were beginning to have more rights than the victims. Preachers across the country were becoming alarmed about the young people’s apathy and lack of morals. Some blamed television. Or as Reverend W. W. Nails put it, “The devil has three initials: ABC, NBC, and CBS. They love Lucy more than they do the Lord and they would rather leave it to Beaver than to Jesus.” The average middle-class Americans who worked hard every day, who were not criminals, not on welfare, and had seldom complained, suddenly and collectively started showing signs of growing disillusionment, worried that with all the new social programs they were now going to have to carry the rich and the poor on their backs. They were tired of having to pay so much income and other taxes to support half the world while they struggled to make ends meet. They began to feel that no matter how hard they worked or how much they paid, it was never appreciated and it was never enough.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, 1987
The passage critiques middle‑class disillusionment, blaming media and moral decline for perceived loss of fairness.
In simple terms: Middle‑class frustration over perceived moral decline and media influence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias in blaming media for societal issues.
Themes
disillusionment
media influence
social justice
Mood
skeptical
concerned
Type
analysis
commentary
When to use this quote
- tax debates
- media criticism
- community meetings
- political rallies
Key Concepts
cultural criticism
political rhetoric
economic anxiety
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports these claims?
- How can we address systemic inequality?
A Different Perspective
Attributing complex problems to simple causes can oversimplify reality.
