American foreign policy Quote by Noam Chomsky
“But on the other hand, in discussion and debate concerning social issues or American foreign policy, Vietnam or the Middle East, for example, the issue is constantly raised, often with considerable venom. I've repeatedly been challenged on grounds of credentials, or asked, what special training do you have that entitles you to speak of these matters. The assumption is that people like me, who are outsiders from a professional viewpoint, are not entitled to speak on such things.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Media and Public Discourse, 1995
The speaker highlights how outsiders are often dismissed in debates on foreign policy, despite their expertise, due to perceived lack of credentials.
In simple terms: Outsiders are often discredited in policy debates.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and assert your expertise regardless of background.
Themes
credibility
public discourse
foreign policy
outsider perspective
Mood
defiant
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic panels
- policy forums
- media interviews
- public debates
Key Concepts
media bias
authority
expertise
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you demonstrate relevance without formal credentials?
- What strategies overcome credential bias?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overlook legitimate concerns about expertise relevance.
![“I wrote an article about the marine landing [in Haiti] right away, but barely mentioned the oil, because my article would come out two months later and I assumed by then, "of course, everybody knows." Nobody knew. There was a news report in the Wall Street Journal, in the petroleum journals, and…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc5/noam-chomsky-42_articles_i-wrote-an-article-about-the-marine-land_13341.jpg)
