Attitude Quote by Jose Saramago
“The attitude of insolent haughtiness is characteristic of the relationships Americans form with what is alien to them, with others.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Dream and the Other, by José Saramago, 1990
It critiques how arrogance fuels xenophobia, revealing a tendency to dehumanize those perceived as different.
In simple terms: Arrogance leads to fear of outsiders.
Key Takeaway
Challenge prejudice and foster humility.
Themes
prejudice
arrogance
culture
otherness
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- immigration policy
- education curricula
Key Concepts
xenophobia
social hierarchy
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we label others as alien?
- What can humility teach us about inclusion?
A Different Perspective
Arrogance can be a defense against insecurity, not just hatred.
![“Margaret could not help her looks; but the short curled upper lip, the round, massive up-turned chin, the manner of carrying her head, her movements, full of a soft feminine defiance, always gave strangers the impression of haughtiness. […] She sat facing him and facing the light; her full beauty…” quote by Elizabeth Gaskell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/54f/elizabeth-gaskell-894_quote_margaret-could-not-help-her-looks-but-th_332320.jpg)
