America Quote by William Klein
“My grandfather and his wife came to America at the end of the 19th century from Hungary. Everyone started out on the Lower East Side. They became embourgeoise and would move to the Upper West Side. Then, if they'd make money, they'd move to Park Avenue. Their kids would become artists and move down to the Lower East Side and the Village.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New York Trilogy, William Klein, 1995
Immigrant families climb social ladders, moving from modest beginnings to affluent neighborhoods, while artistic roots often return to humble districts.
In simple terms: Immigrants rise socially, but art circles stay grounded.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cyclical nature of cultural and economic mobility.
Themes
immigration
social mobility
artistic identity
urban change
Mood
analytical
nostalgic
Type
historical
observational
When to use this quote
- family histories
- urban planning
- art community development
- education policy
Key Concepts
sociology
cultural capital
gentrification
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors enable or hinder such upward movement?
- How does artistic identity influence neighborhood choices?
A Different Perspective
Success can be uneven and not all families achieve upward mobility.
![“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)
