Homosexuality English Quote by Tony Horwitz
““At one stop in New Zealand, an Englishman bartered for sex. He was presented with a boy; when he complained, he was presented with another. The English related this incident with amusement, as a cruel joke. But the Maori may have supposed that homosexuality was the English norm. How else to account for the absence among them of women and children?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The New Zealand Incident” by Tony Horwitz, 1990s
A misunderstanding of cultural norms leads to a cruel joke about sexuality, highlighting how assumptions can cause harm.
In simple terms: Cultural misunderstanding causes harm.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, respect differences.
Themes
culture
misunderstanding
sexuality
colonialism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- travel
- cross‑cultural interactions
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
ethnocentrism
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we verify cultural norms before judging?
- What responsibilities do travelers have?
A Different Perspective
Assumptions may be based on limited observation.
![“My life has been of but little worth mostly fild [sic] up with vanity.” quote by Tony Horwitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/835/tony-horwitz-23752_life_my-life-has-been-of-but-little-worth-mos_1264891.jpg)
![“During a mock battle attended by President Warren Harding in 1921, Marine Corps General Smedley D. Butler exhumed the arm [of Stonewall Jackson; he didn't believe it was buried there] and reburied it in a metal box.” quote by Tony Horwitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/667/tony-horwitz-23752_arms_during-a-mock-battle-attended-by-preside_132831.jpg)
