Ours is a golden age of minorities. At no time in the past have dissident minorities felt so much at home and had so much room to throw their weight around. They speak and act as if they were 'the people,' and what they abominate most is the dissent of the majority.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Hoffer suggests that modern minorities have unprecedented power and influence, often acting as if they represent the general population while disliking majority dissent.
- In plain terms
- Minorities today feel more powerful and comfortable than ever, acting like the majority and rejecting opposition from the majority.
- What can you take from it?
- Be aware of how minority groups may wield disproportionate influence in society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do minority groups influence society?
- Does majority dissent matter less now?
Another view
The quote generalizes complex social dynamics into a single perspective that may not apply universally.
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