Adventure Quote by Norman Mailer
““We call it hypocrisy, but it is schizophrenia, a modest ranch-house life with Draconian military adventures; a land of equal opportunity where a white culture sits upon a Black; a horizontal community of Christian love and a vertical hierarchy of churches--the cross was well-designed! a land of family, a land of illicit heat; a politics of principle, a politics of property; nation of mental hygiene with movies and TV reminiscent of a mental pigpen; patriots with a detestation of obscenity who pollute their rivers; citizens with a detestation of government control who cannot bear any situation not controlled. The list must be endless, the comic profits are finally small--the society was able to stagger on like a 400-lb. policeman walking uphill because living in such an unappreciated and obese state it did not at least have to explode in schizophrenia--life went on. Boys could go patiently to church at home and wait their turn to burn villages in Vietnam.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Paradox, 1975
The quote satirically exposes contradictions in American culture, highlighting hypocrisy, racial hierarchy, and moral contradictions.
In simple terms: America shows many contradictions and hypocrisy.
Recognize and challenge societal contradictions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- racial justice activism
- media literacy
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What contradictions are most evident today?
- How can satire inspire change?
The dense, fragmented style can obscure the core message.