Bigotry Quote by Joe Bageant
““What white middle America loathes these days are poor and poorish people, especially the kind who look and sound like they just might live in a house trailer. They will swear on a stack of Lands' End catalogs that they are not bigots, but, human nature being what it is, we are all kicking someone else's dog around, whether we admit it or not.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America, 2005
The quote criticizes how mainstream America despises the poor, especially those who appear as trailer dwellers, while denying bigotry and projecting blame onto others.
In simple terms: Middle America despises the poor and avoids admitting prejudice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront hidden biases.
Themes
class
prejudice
social inequality
identity
denial
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
social commentary
political critique
When to use this quote
- political commentary
- social media
- community outreach
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
sociology
American studies
class conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we address our own prejudices?
- What policies can reduce class stigma?
A Different Perspective
The statement may overgeneralize and ignore systemic factors beyond individual attitudes.
![“They [Christian rednecks] were so stupid that they couldn't pour piss out of a boot even if the instructions were printed on the bottom.” quote by Joe Bageant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac7/joe-bageant-25954_boots_they-christian-rednecks-were-so-stupid-t_951113.jpg)
![“What are you for? It may be, to a degree, consoling that white brothers and sisters did not vote for [Donald] Trump, and do not participate in that brand of animus, that gas-bagging of enormous bigotry.” quote by Michael Eric Dyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/01d/michael-eric-dyson-1424_animus_what-are-you-for-it-may-be-to-a-degree-c_14940.jpg)
