Angeles Quote by Mona Simpson
“In our national mythology, we seem to include only one-way migrations to the great capitol cities. The journey from the small Wisconsin town or Minnesota city to Chicago or New York or Los Angeles. Certainly for some people, that journey is a round trip.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The Myth of the Great Migration”, 1992
It highlights how cultural narratives often celebrate only one-way moves to big cities, ignoring round‑trip experiences.
In simple terms: Stories focus on one‑way moves to cities.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value people’s full migration journeys.
Themes
migration
urbanization
identity
storytelling
culture
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- family reunions
- career moves
- education pursuits
- return migrations
- community building
Key Concepts
sociology
human geography
personal narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- What stories are missing from our urban myths?
- How does a round‑trip shape identity?
A Different Perspective
May overlook reasons people return or stay.
