---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What about Kost, sir? He’s a foreigner…"
description: "\"“What about Kost, sir? He’s a foreigner, you know.” “Yes,” said the inspector, allowing to pass unchallenged the usual English implication that foreign..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f77/gladys-mitchell-36142_quote_what-about-kost-sir-he-s-a-foreigner-you_2011127.jpg"
---

#  What about Kost, sir? He’s a foreigner, you know.” “Yes,”…

![“What about Kost, sir? He’s a foreigner, you know.” “Yes,” said the inspector, allowing to pass unchallenged the usual English implication that foreigners are always either lunatics or criminals or both, “but the motive?” quote by Gladys Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f77/gladys-mitchell-36142_quote_what-about-kost-sir-he-s-a-foreigner-you_2011127.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f77/gladys-mitchell-36142_quote_what-about-kost-sir-he-s-a-foreigner-you_2011127.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f77/gladys-mitchell-36142_quote_what-about-kost-sir-he-s-a-foreigner-you_2011127.jpg)

> ““What about Kost, sir? He’s a foreigner, you know.” “Yes,” said the inspector, allowing to pass unchallenged the usual English implication that foreigners are always either lunatics or criminals or both, “but the motive?””

[Gladys Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gladys-mitchell/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The inspector dismisses foreigner stereotypes but still questions motives, highlighting bias in language.

**In simple terms:** Even when stereotypes are dismissed, bias remains.

Key Takeaway

Question underlying motives behind assumptions.

Themes

bias stereotype language

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

social literary

When to use this quote

- law enforcement
- social commentary
- dialogue

Key Concepts

inspection foreigners motivation

Questions to Reflect On

- How does language shape our view of outsiders?
- What motives are hidden behind polite denial?

A Different Perspective

May overlook systemic prejudice.

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