First time Quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks
““Consider three more examples, this time of clashes between postmodernist theory and historical fact. Postmodernists say that the West is deeply racist, but they know very well that the West ended slavery for the first time ever, and that it is only in places where Western ideas have made inroads that racist ideas are on the defensive. They say that the West is deeply sexist, but they know very well that Western women were the first to get the vote, contractual rights, and the opportunities that most women in the world are still without. They say that Western capitalist countries are cruel to their poorer members, subjugating them and getting rich off them, but they know very well that the poor in the West are far richer than the poor anywhere else, both in terms of material assets and the opportunities to improve their condition.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Case for Reason, 2015
Postmodern critiques of the West ignore its historical contributions to liberty and wealth, revealing a selective narrative.
In simple terms: Critiques often overlook positive Western achievements.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both flaws and achievements of societies.
Themes
history
postmodernism
Western civilization
critical analysis
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
narrative bias
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How can balanced histories be taught?
- What evidence counters selective criticism?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on negatives can skew understanding.
![“Yet mere membership as a matter of duty is not enough for Hegel, given the grandeur of the state’s divine historical purpose: “One must worship the state as a terrestrial divinity.”[211]” quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/371/stephen-r-c-hicks-12692_quote_yet-mere-membership-as-a-matter-of-duty_229759.jpg)
![“Given the pervasiveness of capitalism’s domination, the revolutionary vanguard can come only from those outcast intellectuals—especially among the younger students[282]—those who are able to “link liberation with the dissolution of ordinary and orderly perception”[283] and who thereby can see…” quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b31/stephen-r-c-hicks-12692_freedom_given-the-pervasiveness-of-capitalism-s_775059.jpg)
