---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When we talk about the foreign, the…"
description: "\"When we talk about the foreign, the question becomes one of us versus them. But in the end, is one just the opposite side of the other?\" — Lewis H. Lapham"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/lewis-h-lapham-7190_ends_when-we-talk-about-the-foreign-the-quest_1543212.jpg"
---

#  When we talk about the foreign, the question becomes one…

![“When we talk about the foreign, the question becomes one of us versus them. But in the end, is one just the opposite side of the other?” quote by Lewis H. Lapham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/lewis-h-lapham-7190_ends_when-we-talk-about-the-foreign-the-quest_1543212.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/lewis-h-lapham-7190_ends_when-we-talk-about-the-foreign-the-quest_1543212.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/198/lewis-h-lapham-7190_ends_when-we-talk-about-the-foreign-the-quest_1543212.jpg)

> “When we talk about the foreign, the question becomes one of us versus them. But in the end, is one just the opposite side of the other?”

[Lewis H. Lapham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-h-lapham/)

## About This Quote

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

Dividing people into "us" vs "them" creates false oppositions; ultimately they are interconnected.

**In simple terms:** Seeing people as opponents is misleading.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shared humanity.

Themes

identity conflict psychology society

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

- political discourse
- community building
- media analysis

Key Concepts

in-group bias binary thinking interdependence

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you bridge "us" and "them"?
- What common ground exists?

A Different Perspective

Oversimplification can ignore nuanced realities.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Opposites](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opposites/)

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