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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author sees the presence of a Black population as a major threat to the Union's future.
In plain terms
He views Black people as a danger to the nation.
What can you take from it?
Question narratives that scapegoat minorities.

Where it applies

  • political rhetoric
  • civil rights history

Putting it to work

  • challenge xenophobic claims
  • promote inclusive policies

Questions to consider

  • Why are minorities blamed for societal issues?
  • How can societies move beyond such fears?

Another view

The claim is rooted in prejudice and ignores contributions of Black citizens.

More from Alexis de Tocqueville

  1. Among these widely differing families of men, the first that attracts attention, the superior in intelligence, in power, and in enjoyment, is the white, or Eur…

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  2. You may set the Negro free, but you cannot make him otherwise than an alien to the European. Nor is this all we scarcely acknowledge the common features of hum…

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  3. In the United States, except for slaves, servants and the destitute fed by townships, everyone has the vote and this is an indirect contributor to law-making. …

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