Agree Quote by Norman Lear
“In one question you are expressing a world of opinion. Because it is you who thinks that America has been mistakenly starting these conflicts. I happen to agree with you, and I will repeat what your question suggested...we have mistakenly gotten into one fracas after another. Why we do that [United States has insisted on keeping up a string of enemies, and the wars associated with creating those enemies], I think it's because we're afraid to look in the mirror and understand who we are.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Television commentary, unknown date
America repeatedly creates enemies and wars because it avoids confronting its own flaws and fears
In simple terms: The US makes enemies to avoid self‑examination
Consider how fear drives foreign policy
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- history lessons
- policy debates
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies create external enemies?
- What would happen if we faced our own shortcomings?
Avoiding self‑knowledge leads to repeated conflict