Assimilation Quote by Norbert Elias
“The heart of assimilation process of absorbing minorities lies in the self-image of a nation. There are, as you will know, big differences for instance between the self-image of the French and the English. And the Germans, in accordance with their rather chequered history, had at least in the past very little capacity for absorbing minorities.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Civilizing Process by Norbert Elias, 1939
A nation's ability to integrate minorities depends on its collective self‑image; historical narratives shape this capacity.
In simple terms: National self‑view influences how minorities are accepted.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on and broaden national identity narratives.
Themes
identity
assimilation
history
nationalism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education curricula
- media representation
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
self‑image
cultural integration
collective memory
Questions to Reflect On
- What stories define your nation's self‑image?
- How can minorities reshape national narratives?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated self‑images is slow and may meet resistance.
![“[I]nclusion, not assimilation, should be the key concept in seeking, ever seeking, a more perfect national union. Our own history has shown that we are stronger as a mosaic than a melting pot. Our nation is bound together more by ideals than by blood or land, and inclusion is in our cultural DNA…” quote by Dan Rather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab3/dan-rather-2779_inclusion_i-nclusion-not-assimilation-should-be-th_105214.jpg)
