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Nobody who has lived through the rise of the violent anti-Semitism which led to Hitler can refuse Mrs. Thatcher admiration for her courageous and outspoken warning. When I grew up in Vienna the established Jewish families were a generally respected group and all decent people would frown upon the occasional anti-Jewish outbursts of a few popular politicians. It was the sudden influx of large numbers of Galician and Polish Jews [during World War I]...which in a short period changed the attitude. They were too visibly different to be readily absorbed.

Friedrich Hayek#7

SocietyHistoryImmigrationPrejudice

About this quote

What does it mean?
Anti-Semitism grew after a large influx of visibly different Jewish families changed social attitudes, contrasting with previous acceptance of established families.
In plain terms
People started hating a group after a big wave of outsiders who looked different moved in.
What can you take from it?
Visible demographic shifts can fuel intolerance.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • immigration policy
  • social cohesion

Putting it to work

  • study prejudice origins
  • analyze demographic shifts
  • evaluate social integration

Questions to consider

  • What drives social intolerance?
  • How do demographics affect acceptance?

Another view

Attributing anti-Semitism solely to visible difference overlooks economic or political factors.

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