Culture Quote by Rilla Askew
“I think one of the reasons anti-immigration state laws start to happen is they happen in states where there is an enormous influx. In these places, the dominant culture, the Anglo culture has held sway for such a very, very long time. Now, they are living in another culture, another language. They fear losing dominance and control. It is sadly human nature to find a group to scapegoat. This happens throughout man's history.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Politics of Fear", 2018
The author argues that anti-immigration laws arise in regions experiencing large influxes, driven by fear of cultural loss and a tendency to scapegoat, reflecting a recurring human pattern.
In simple terms: Immigration bans stem from fear of cultural change and scapegoating.
Key Takeaway
Address fears with inclusive dialogue.
Themes
fear
identity
politics
scapegoating
history
Mood
concerned
reflective
serious
Type
political
social
historical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- community integration programs
- media framing
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
social dominance theory
group threat
nationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance cultural preservation with openness?
- What policies reduce scapegoating without restricting rights?
A Different Perspective
Economic concerns also influence legislation, not just cultural fear.
![“The policy or advantage of [immigration] taking place in a body (I mean the settling of them in a body) may be much questioned; for, by so doing, they retain the language, habits, and principles (good or bad) which they bring with them. Whereas by an intermixture with our people, they, or their…” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dba/george-washington-257_advantage_the-policy-or-advantage-of-immigration-t_2798211.jpg)
