Coming to america Quote by Noah Gordon
““It’s because the ignorant bastards consider me a foreigner, even though I was born in South Carolina and some of them were born in Europe,” he complained hotly to Rob J. “They don’t trust me. They hate the Irish and the Jews and the Chinese and the Italians, and God knows who all, for coming to America too late. They hate the French and the Mormons on general principles. And they hate the Indians for being in America too early. Who the hell do they like?” Rob grinned at him. “Why, Jay … they like themselves! They think they are just right, having had the sensibility to arrive at exactly the correct time,” he said.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The President's Daughter by Noah Gordon, 1979
The speaker laments that prejudice is based on arbitrary origins and timing, with groups hating others for being “too early” or “too late” to arrive.
In simple terms: Prejudice is irrational and based on when people arrived.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge baseless bias.
Themes
prejudice
identity
social division
Mood
frustrated
reflective
critical
Type
social commentary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- immigration debates
- workplace diversity training
- personal reflection on bias
- community building
- political discourse
Key Concepts
Xenophobia
historical resentment
group dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does timing affect our judgments of others?
- What can we do to reduce arbitrary hatred?
A Different Perspective
Prejudices often stem from fear and misinformation, not rational assessment.
