America Quote by Saul Bellow
“We take foreigners to be incomplete Americans -- convinced that we must help and hasten their evolution.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Humboldt's Gift, 1975
The speaker sees immigrants as unfinished, implying a paternalistic duty to accelerate their assimilation.
In simple terms: Immigrants are viewed as needing help.
Key Takeaway
Avoid assuming superiority over others.
Themes
cultural assimilation
ethics
identity
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- immigration policy
- community integration
- education
- social services
Key Concepts
postcolonial theory
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we support immigrant autonomy?
- What does “help” truly mean?
A Different Perspective
Such views can erase immigrant agency.
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