---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When a society is criticised by…"
description: "\"When a society is criticised by outsiders, its members wince but shrug their shoulders. 'What you can expect from strangers?' is the feeling. When the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cb/michela-wrong-40867_community_when-a-society-is-criticised-by-outsider_3101792.jpg"
---

#  When a society is criticised by outsiders, its members…

![“When a society is criticised by outsiders, its members wince but shrug their shoulders. 'What you can expect from strangers?' is the feeling. When the attack comes from within, no such indulgence is shown. 'He was one of us,' runs the refrain.” quote by Michela Wrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cb/michela-wrong-40867_community_when-a-society-is-criticised-by-outsider_3101792.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cb/michela-wrong-40867_community_when-a-society-is-criticised-by-outsider_3101792.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cb/michela-wrong-40867_community_when-a-society-is-criticised-by-outsider_3101792.jpg)

> “When a society is criticised by outsiders, its members wince but shrug their shoulders. 'What you can expect from strangers?' is the feeling. When the attack comes from within, no such indulgence is shown. 'He was one of us,' runs the refrain.”

[Michela Wrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michela-wrong/)

## About This Quote

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

Societies tolerate external criticism but harshly judge internal dissent, demanding conformity.

**In simple terms:** Outsiders get leniency, insiders get no mercy.

Key Takeaway

Expect double standards in group dynamics.

Themes

conformity criticism identity group dynamics

Mood

defensive reflective

Type

analytical critical

When to use this quote

- political debates
- workplace culture
- online communities
- family discussions

Key Concepts

social psychology in-group bias cognitive dissonance

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you balance loyalty and truth?
- When do you challenge group norms?

A Different Perspective

External criticism may be constructive, but internal dissent can be vital for growth.

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[Community](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/community/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Ministry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ministry/) [Outsiders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/outsiders/) [Running](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/running/) [Stranger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stranger/)

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