Ashamed Quote by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
“The Jews have never been ashamed of being Jews, whereas homosexuals have been stupid enough to be ashamed of their homosexuality.”
About This Quote
Source Film: Berlin Alexanderplatz, 1980
The quote contrasts pride in identity with shame imposed by societal stigma, highlighting how some groups internalize prejudice.
In simple terms: Pride in identity vs. shame from prejudice.
Key Takeaway
Challenge internalized stigma.
Themes
identity
pride
prejudice
social stigma
Mood
defiant
critical
Type
political
social commentary
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- personal reflection
- community support
Key Concepts
self-acceptance
social pressure
LGBTQ+ rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How does societal pressure shape self‑identity?
- What can reduce shame in marginalized groups?
A Different Perspective
Not all individuals experience or respond to stigma the same way.
![“Same sex marriage is a disgrace to the nation and to God. When I was growing up, ‘ungqingili’ [homosexuals in isiZulu] could not stand in front of me, I would knock him out.” quote by Jacob Zuma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/743/jacob-zuma-10526_disgrace_same-sex-marriage-is-a-disgrace-to-the-n_310960.jpg)
![“Women think in [Douglas] Sirk’s films. Something which has never struck me with other directors. None of them. Usually women are always reacting, doing what women are supposed to do, but in Sirk they think. It’s something that has to be seen. It’s great to see women think. It gives one hope…” quote by Rainer Werner Fassbinder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e6/rainer-werner-fassbinder-25537_directors_women-think-in-douglas-sirk-s-films-some_607394.jpg)
