Class Quote by Richard Hofstadter
“There has always been in our national experience a type of mind which elevates hatred to a kind of creed; for this mind, group hatreds take a place in politics similar to the class struggle in some other modern societies.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The American Political Tradition, 1850‑1960, 1969
The quote warns that some societies treat hatred like a belief system, making group animosity a political force comparable to class conflict.
In simple terms: Hatred can become a political creed, similar to class struggle.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge hatred framed as ideology.
Themes
politics
hatred
ideology
conflict
social dynamics
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- community building
- education on tolerance
Key Concepts
group identity
political psychology
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hatred become a political creed?
- What can reduce group animosity in politics?
A Different Perspective
Hatred may be deeply rooted and not easily changed.
