Hollywood Quote by Robert Crais
““I love L.A. It's a great, sprawling, spread-to-hell city that protects us by its sheer size. Four hundred sixty-five square miles. Eleven million beating hearts in Los Angeles County, documented and not. Eleven million. What are the odds? The girl raped beneath the Hollywood sign isn't your sister, the boy back-stroking in a red pool isn't your son, the splatter patterns on the ATM machine are sourceless urban art. We're safe that way. When it happens it's going to happen to someone else.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast “The Art of Crime Writing”, 2020
The quote highlights how a city's massive size and anonymity can make individuals feel safe, believing that tragedy will affect others, not themselves.
In simple terms: Large cities feel safe because problems seem distant.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that size doesn't guarantee safety.
Themes
urban anonymity
perceived safety
city scale
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- city planning
- public safety campaigns
- community building
- media literacy
Key Concepts
psychology of risk
urban sociology
media perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does anonymity affect personal responsibility?
- Can large populations truly protect individuals?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks systemic issues that affect all residents regardless of distance.
