Accepted Quote by Norbert Elias
“The integration in Germany was made easier by the fact that I am probably of the third generation. So I have undergone a process of assimilation, of Jews into German society.I lived as a child in Germany, the feeling of being surrounded by people of whom the majority had very strong anti-Semitic sentiments. But there was one very odd thing in the whole milieu in which I lived: no one accepted the stigmatization. It is quite difficult. No one, my father for instance, would ever take it seriously. He would regard anti-Semites as people of no education.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Civilizing Process, Norbert Elias, 1939
He describes how his family's generational assimilation into German society faced pervasive anti‑Jewish sentiment, yet his father dismissed anti‑Semitism as ignorance.
In simple terms: Assimilation faced anti‑Jewish prejudice, but father dismissed prejudice as ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that prejudice can be dismissed by education and empathy.
Themes
assimilation
prejudice
identity
family
society
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
historical
sociological
When to use this quote
- education
- community dialogue
- historical reflection
- personal identity formation
Key Concepts
social integration
generational change
cultural adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can education change deep‑seated bias?
- What role does family play in resisting prejudice?
A Different Perspective
Prejudice may persist despite individual dismissal; societal change is slow.
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
