America Quote by Roseanne Barr
“My grandmother ... came here, not only like so many others because of the streets 'being paved with gold' and all, but because she wanted to leave the place where the streets were paved with people who had not gone to America.”
About This Quote
Source Memoir: My Life in Comedy, 2020
The narrator’s grandmother immigrated seeking freedom from oppression, not the myth of “gold‑paved streets.”
In simple terms: Immigrants flee oppression, not chase myths.
Key Takeaway
Recognize true motivations for migration.
Themes
immigration
family
freedom
myths
hope
identity
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
social
historical
When to use this quote
- family storytelling
- social advocacy
- education
- policy discussion
- community support
Key Concepts
sociology
personal narrative
cultural critique
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- What stories shape your view of immigration?
- How can we honor immigrant experiences authentically?
A Different Perspective
Romanticizing migration can obscure hardships.
![“The streets weren't paved with gold and Rose petals [when I was young]. "Do I have a horn to sell this month to pay my rent, or what am I going to do?" It was what it was.” quote by Jon Gordon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15e/jon-gordon-1655_gold_the-streets-weren-t-paved-with-gold-and_1577277.jpg)
![“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)
