Art Quote by Homi K. Bhabha
“Now, when you look at somebody, it's not simply, 'Are you like me or unlike me? Has your culture produced great artists? What are your rituals?' It's: 'Is your culture safe or not? Will it produce terrorists?'”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Cultural theory and security
Culture is judged by its safety and potential to produce terrorism, not just artistic output.
In simple terms: We assess cultures by perceived safety, not just art.
Key Takeaway
Question cultural assumptions about safety.
Themes
culture
security
art
terrorism
identity
politics
Mood
critical
analytical
concerned
Type
Art:1
Artist:1
Culture:1
Great art:1
Great artist:1
Like me:0
Looks:0
Produce:0
Ritual:0
Safe:1
Terrorist:1
Great Artists:1
Look Somebody:0
Culture Safe:1
Unlike Culture:0
Rituals Culture:0
When to use this quote
- policy making
- media analysis
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
postcolonial theory
social critique
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a "safe" culture?
- How can art challenge security narratives?
A Different Perspective
Over‑generalization can stigmatize entire groups.
