---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As long as being a stranger and…"
description: "\"As long as being a stranger and surrounded by strangers was seen as a temporary irritant, a smallest departure from the binding rules of conduct by a m..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c5c/zygmunt-bauman-1861_binding_as-long-as-being-a-stranger-and-surround_2381071.png"
---

#  As long as being a stranger and surrounded by strangers…

![“As long as being a stranger and surrounded by strangers was seen as a temporary irritant, a smallest departure from the binding rules of conduct by a member of a minority, was taken for a major crime justifying deportation.” quote by Zygmunt Bauman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c5c/zygmunt-bauman-1861_binding_as-long-as-being-a-stranger-and-surround_2381071.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c5c/zygmunt-bauman-1861_binding_as-long-as-being-a-stranger-and-surround_2381071.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c5c/zygmunt-bauman-1861_binding_as-long-as-being-a-stranger-and-surround_2381071.png)

> “As long as being a stranger and surrounded by strangers was seen as a temporary irritant, a smallest departure from the binding rules of conduct by a member of a minority, was taken for a major crime justifying deportation.”

[Zygmunt Bauman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zygmunt-bauman/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Treating minor rule breaches by minorities as major crimes leads to harsh punishments like deportation.

**In simple terms:** Minor infractions by minorities are over‑penalized.

Key Takeaway

Recognize proportionality in law enforcement.

Themes

justice minorities social control

Mood

concerned thoughtful

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

- immigration policy
- policing
- community relations
- legal reforms

Key Concepts

sociology law human rights

Questions to Reflect On

- How can societies balance security and fairness?
- What safeguards prevent disproportionate punishment?

A Different Perspective

Over‑emphasis on conformity can erode civil liberties.

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[Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime/) [Departure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/departure/) [Deportation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deportation/) [Irritants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/irritants/) [Minorities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/minorities/) [Stranger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stranger/)

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> [May I say that I have not thoroughly enjoyed serving with humans? I find their illogic and foolish emotions a constant irritant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonard-nimoy/may-i-say-that-i-have-not-thoroughly-enjoyed-serving-with-humans-i/)

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## More by Zygmunt Bauman

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