About yourself Quote by Margaret Atwood
“It used to be that your bloodlines dictated who you were. But the U.S. became the land of the self-made man, in which not only did you make a fortune but you could make up everything else about yourself as well. You move into a new town with a spurious pedigreed background and you just make yourself up.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid's Tale, 1985
American myth of self‑made identity replaces lineage; people reinvent themselves.
In simple terms: Self‑made myth replaces birthright.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fluidity of identity.
Themes
identity
socialmobility
myth
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
literary
When to use this quote
- immigration
- career change
- online personas
- branding
Key Concepts
sociology
culturalstudies
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you construct your own narrative?
- What risks come with reinventing yourself?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may limit applicability.
