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It is now quite plain to me - as the shape of his head and the way his hair grows also testify - that he is descended from the negroes who accompanied Moses' flight from Egypt (unless his mother or paternal grandmother interbred with a negro). Now, this blend of Jewishness and Germanness, on the one hand, and basic negroid stock, on the other, must inevitably give rise to a peculiar product. The fellow's importunity is also negro-like.

Karl Marx#18

HistorySociologyIdentityBiasPrejudiceRaceStereotype

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker claims a person’s mixed ancestry leads to a ‘peculiar product’ and attributes negative traits to race.
In plain terms
He suggests mixed heritage creates a strange character and uses racist stereotypes.
What can you take from it?
Beware of racial prejudice in character judgments.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • cultural critique

Putting it to work

  • challenge racist assumptions
  • promote inclusive language

Questions to consider

  • How does racism distort historical narratives?
  • What are the impacts of such language?

Another view

Contains overt racism and pseudoscientific claims.

More from Karl Marx

  1. Neither of us cares a straw for popularity. A proof of this is for example, that, because of aversion to any personality cult, I have never permitted the numer…

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  2. Go on, get out. Last words are for fools who haven't said enough.

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  3. We are ruthless and ask no quarter from you. When our turn comes we shall not disguise our terrorism.

    Permalink to quote #16

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