Children Quote by Kurt Vonnegut
“The most racist, nastiest act by America, after human slavery, was the bombing of Nagasaki. Not of Hiroshima, which might have had some military significance. But Nagasaki was purely blowing away yellow men, women, and children. I'm glad I'm not a scientist because I'd feel so guilty now.”
About This Quote
The speaker condemns the atomic bombing of Nagasaki as an act of racial violence, implying it targeted Japanese civilians more than strategic military objectives, and expresses personal guilt at the thought of participating in such destruction.
In simple terms: Condemns Nagasaki bombing as racial atrocity.
Key Takeaway
Moral horror at targeting civilians.
Themes
war ethics
racism
historical memory
humanitarianism
nuclear weapons
Mood
outraged
sorrowful
critical
Type
political
historical
moral
When to use this quote
- discussions on war crimes
- debates on nuclear policy
- education on WWII history
- reflections on scientific ethics
- media analysis of wartime narratives
Key Concepts
civilian casualties
racial targeting
military justification
moral responsibility
Practical Applications
- teaching ethical implications of warfare
- informing policy on nuclear disarmament
Questions to Reflect On
- How does framing the bombing as racial affect our view of history?
- What responsibilities do scientists have in wartime research?
![“Thomas Jefferson High School [..] His high school was named after a slave owner who was also one of the world’s greatest theoreticians on the subject of human liberty.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73a/kurt-vonnegut-41_freedom_thomas-jefferson-high-school-his-high-sc_9727.jpg)
