America Quote by Robert Redford
“I was raised in California during the Second World War and into the '50s and everything was fine, everything was great. The sun always shone, everybody looked healthy and wore ties and smoked in restaurants, and there were cars for everybody - except us, because I came from a lower class neighbourhood. But [in France] I realised there was a different point of view, so when I came back to America a year and a half later I was much more focused on my own country culturally and politically.”
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Personal reflections, 1970s, United States
Growing up in post‑war California, the narrator felt privileged yet aware of class disparity, prompting a deeper cultural and political awareness after time abroad.
In simple terms: Class awareness grew after travel abroad.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how travel can reshape social perspective.
Themes
class
culture
politics
identity
disparity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
personal
political
When to use this quote
- college experience
- return to homeland
- political activism
- community engagement
Key Concepts
social stratification
self‑reflection
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How did your time abroad change your view of America?
- What aspects of class inequality became clearer?
A Different Perspective
Perspective may be limited by nostalgia for past comforts.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
