---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Let's cast aside notions of red counties…"
description: "\"Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties and recognize that these are artificial divisions.\" — Roy Cooper"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/roy-cooper-6659_artificial_let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties_1321797.jpg"
---

#  Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties…

![“Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties and recognize that these are artificial divisions.” quote by Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/roy-cooper-6659_artificial_let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties_1321797.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/roy-cooper-6659_artificial_let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties_1321797.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/roy-cooper-6659_artificial_let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties_1321797.jpg)

> “Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties and recognize that these are artificial divisions.”

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He argues that labeling regions as red or blue is a false binary that oversimplifies complex political realities.

**In simple terms:** Red/blue labels are artificial divisions.

Key Takeaway

Challenge stereotypes, seek nuanced views.

Themes

politics division identity polarization

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

- voter outreach
- community dialogue
- policy analysis

Key Concepts

binary thinking regionalism political identity

Questions to Reflect On

- How do regional labels affect your political choices?
- Can we create more inclusive political narratives?

A Different Perspective

Labels can be useful shorthand but may obscure local issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Blue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blue/) [Red](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/red/)

## Related quotes

> [Democrats in 2020 can't just drive by red counties. You have to stop, get out of your car, ask for people's votes, and engage…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-casey-jr/democrats-in-2020-can-t-just-drive-by-red-counties-you-have-to-stop/)

[Bob Casey, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-casey-jr/)

> [We make artificial divisions everywhere: Democrats and Republicans, black and white, millennials and baby boomers. Even those of us who are against building walls…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-j-waldinger/we-make-artificial-divisions-everywhere-democrats-and-republicans/)

[Robert J. Waldinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-j-waldinger/)

> [Ethnic divisions can definitely be exacerbated by a lack of natural resources, but those tensions become violent when people manipulate them for their own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dinaw-mengestu/ethnic-divisions-can-definitely-be-exacerbated-by-a-lack-of-natural/)

[Dinaw Mengestu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dinaw-mengestu/)

> [The Pope? How many divisions has he got?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-stalin/the-pope-how-many-divisions-has-he-got/)

[Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-stalin/)

> [And instead of getting a pepper-and-salt effect, we find very clear and sharp divisions between the dialects of the United States, which are getting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-labov/and-instead-of-getting-a-pepper-and-salt-effect-we-find-very-clear/)

[William Labov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-labov/)

> [Race and class are the easiest divisions. It's very stupid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynda-barry/race-and-class-are-the-easiest-divisions-it-s-very-stupid/)

[Lynda Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynda-barry/)

> [You can be vegetarian and eat fish. It's your choice, just say: 'I am what I am.' There are no hardcore divisions anymore.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yotam-ottolenghi/you-can-be-vegetarian-and-eat-fish-it-s-your-choice-just-say-i-am/)

[Yotam Ottolenghi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yotam-ottolenghi/)

> [Christian salvation consists in works. To be saved is to be made holy. To be saved requires our being made part of a people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanley-hauerwas/christian-salvation-consists-in-works-to-be-saved-is-to-be-made-holy/)

[Stanley Hauerwas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanley-hauerwas/)

> [To be the first Puerto Rican to win a world title in four divisions would be an achievement. Gomez, Benitez, there have been a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-cotto/to-be-the-first-puerto-rican-to-win-a-world-title-in-four-divisions/)

[Miguel Cotto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miguel-cotto/)

> [“...every social class has its own pathology...”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcel-proust/every-social-class-has-its-own-pathology/)

[Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcel-proust/)

> [Occupy Wall Street was a disorganized movement without a clear focus and power base - essential in any successful revolution - but the message…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janine-di-giovanni/occupy-wall-street-was-a-disorganized-movement-without-a-clear-focus/)

[Janine di Giovanni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janine-di-giovanni/)

> [If women want to ensure themselves a meaningful place in the future, they need to be among those determining how the technology will be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anita-borg/if-women-want-to-ensure-themselves-a-meaningful-place-in-the-future/)

[Anita Borg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anita-borg/)

> [The Internet was supposed to bring people together, but it's created big divisions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-rogowsky/the-internet-was-supposed-to-bring-people-together-but-it-s-created/)

[Scott Rogowsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-rogowsky/)

> [Our company has been very forward-thinking about digital technology and the opportunity that it gives us. As we move into a world where we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-sweeney/our-company-has-been-very-forward-thinking-about-digital-technology/)

[Anne Sweeney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-sweeney/)

> [The Syrians are better suited to sort out their internal divisions than anyone else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-engel/the-syrians-are-better-suited-to-sort-out-their-internal-divisions/)

[Richard Engel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-engel/)

## More by Roy Cooper

> [Disasters affect every state, and North Carolinians have given our own tax dollars to help neighbors and those in other states in times of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/disasters-affect-every-state-and-north-carolinians-have-given-our-own/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [In Raleigh, partisan battles, power struggles and lawsuits might grab the headlines, but we have to work together where we can. To look beyond…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/in-raleigh-partisan-battles-power-struggles-and-lawsuits-might-grab/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [We know COVID-19 hasn't affected communities equally.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/we-know-covid-19-hasn-t-affected-communities-equally/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [We must keep our eye on the ball to monitor our waterways and ensure that all North Carolinians can have full confidence in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/we-must-keep-our-eye-on-the-ball-to-monitor-our-waterways-and-ensure/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [We can embrace the idea of a North Carolina that's truly for all of us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/we-can-embrace-the-idea-of-a-north-carolina-that-s-truly-for-all-of-us/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [As governor, one of my top priorities is supporting our children from cradle to career.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/as-governor-one-of-my-top-priorities-is-supporting-our-children-from/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [My commitment to rural North Carolina is personal. I understand the opportunities and challenges our rural communities face.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/my-commitment-to-rural-north-carolina-is-personal-i-understand-the/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [We don't want cost to be a barrier to good students getting a higher education.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/we-don-t-want-cost-to-be-a-barrier-to-good-students-getting-a-higher/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [We need aggressive healing, a strong voice that will continue to understand that diversity is our strength.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/we-need-aggressive-healing-a-strong-voice-that-will-continue-to/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [Better teacher pay combined with scholarships in exchange for teaching in our public schools can help North Carolina attract and keep talented teachers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/better-teacher-pay-combined-with-scholarships-in-exchange-for/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [Both in Raleigh and in Washington, middle class shouldn't mean second class.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/both-in-raleigh-and-in-washington-middle-class-shouldn-t-mean-second/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [North Carolina is a terrific place to live, work, and raise a family.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/north-carolina-is-a-terrific-place-to-live-work-and-raise-a-family/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [A talented workforce, excellent access to markets and a competitive business climate make our state a top destination for global manufacturers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/a-talented-workforce-excellent-access-to-markets-and-a-competitive/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [Some people cling to the belief that the Civil War was fought over states' rights. But history is not on their side. We cannot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/some-people-cling-to-the-belief-that-the-civil-war-was-fought-over/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

> [We need to stop shortchanging our families and future in order to line the pockets of millionaires and special interests.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/we-need-to-stop-shortchanging-our-families-and-future-in-order-to/)

[Roy Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

[Explore all 98 Roy Cooper quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/)

## More Artificial quotes

> [One of our big goals in search is to make search that really understands exactly what you want, understands everything in the world. As…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/larry-page/one-of-our-big-goals-in-search-is-to-make-search-that-really/)

[Larry Page](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/larry-page/)

> [Baseball needs to put the steroids era behind it by having and enforcing tough rules against all kinds of artificial advantages, so that spring…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-olasky/baseball-needs-to-put-the-steroids-era-behind-it-by-having-and/)

[Marvin Olasky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-olasky/)

> [People don't want to believe that technology is broken. Pharmaceuticals, robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology - all these areas where the progress has been a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-thiel/people-don-t-want-to-believe-that-technology-is-broken/)

[Peter Thiel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-thiel/)

> [I find theater very lazy and artificial, and then when it's not, it lacks refinement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natasha-tsakos/i-find-theater-very-lazy-and-artificial-and-then-when-it-s-not-it/)

[Natasha Tsakos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natasha-tsakos/)

> [Conservative feminism is such an artificial term that doesn't mean much to me. For me conservatism means accepting reality. I acknowledge that there are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kristina-schroder/conservative-feminism-is-such-an-artificial-term-that-doesn-t-mean/)

[Kristina Schroder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kristina-schroder/)

> [There is... an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/there-is-an-artificial-aristocracy-founded-on-wealth-and-birth/)

[Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/)

> [I think we should be very careful about artificial intelligence. If I had to guess at what our biggest existential threat is, it's probably…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elon-musk/i-think-we-should-be-very-careful-about-artificial-intelligence-if-i/)

[Elon Musk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elon-musk/)

> [There is no society or conversation to be kept up in the world without good-nature, or something which must bear its appearance and supply…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/there-is-no-society-or-conversation-to-be-kept-up-in-the-world/)

[Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/)

> [Inflation is not caused by the actions of private citizens, but by the government: by an artificial expansion of the money supply required to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/inflation-is-not-caused-by-the-actions-of-private-citizens-but-by-the/)

[Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/)

> [Of all evils of war the greatest is the purely spiritual evil: the hatred, the injustice, the repudiation of truth, the artificial conflict.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/of-all-evils-of-war-the-greatest-is-the-purely-spiritual-evil-the/)

[Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/)

> [Perspective, as its inventor remarked, is a beautiful thing. What horrors of damp huts, where human beings languish, may not become picturesque through aerial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/perspective-as-its-inventor-remarked-is-a-beautiful-thing-what/)

[George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/)

> [People always make this totally artificial distinction between what is commercial and what is good. They quote that maxim "Nobody ever lost money underestimating…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-adams/people-always-make-this-totally-artificial-distinction-between-what/)

[Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-adams/)

> [We always want to live in an environment where there's no artificial block to good work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chiwetel-ejiofor/we-always-want-to-live-in-an-environment-where-there-s-no-artificial/)

[Chiwetel Ejiofor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chiwetel-ejiofor/)

> [What do you have to surrender? A drop has to dissolve into the ocean to become the ocean. And a drop cannot be greater…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/what-do-you-have-to-surrender-a-drop-has-to-dissolve-into-the-ocean/)

[Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/)

> [It was astonishing when at one point, I got the idea of how to make artifical clouds with a collaborator, we had pictures made…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benoit-mandelbrot/it-was-astonishing-when-at-one-point-i-got-the-idea-of-how-to-make/)

[Benoit Mandelbrot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benoit-mandelbrot/)

Browse all 819 Artificial quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties and recognize that these are artificial divisions.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Roy Cooper"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties-or-blue-counties-and/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Artificial"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties-or-blue-counties-and/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/roy-cooper-6659_artificial_let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties_1321797.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/roy-cooper-6659_artificial_let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties_1321797.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/roy-cooper-6659_artificial_let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties_1321797.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties and recognize that these are artificial divisions.” — Roy Cooper",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Roy Cooper",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-cooper/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Let's cast aside notions of red...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties-or-blue-counties-and/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-cooper/let-s-cast-aside-notions-of-red-counties-or-blue-counties-and/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
