Children Quote by Zadie Smith
“Because immigrants have always been particularly prone to repetition - it's something to do with that experience of moving from West to East or East to West or from island to island. Even when you arrive, you're still going back and forth; your children are going round and round. There's no proper term for it - original sin seems too harsh; maybe original trauma would be better.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Original Trauma” in The New Yorker, 2020
Highlights the cyclical nature of immigrant experiences and the lingering sense of displacement.
In simple terms: Immigrants feel repeated displacement.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address lingering displacement.
Themes
identity
migration
generational trauma
Mood
empathetic
thoughtful
Type
sociological
psychological
When to use this quote
- counseling
- community building
- policy advocacy
- education programs
Key Concepts
cultural dislocation
memory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does displacement shape identity?
- What can help break the cycle?
A Different Perspective
May generalize diverse immigrant experiences.
