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About this quote

What does it mean?
An offensive ethnic generalization reflecting historical prejudice.
In plain terms
A derogatory comparison of groups.
What can you take from it?
Avoid prejudice.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • literary critique

Putting it to work

  • contextualizing history

Questions to consider

  • Where did this prejudice come from?
  • How do you address such quotes?

Another view

It is factually incorrect and harmful.

More from Mark Twain

  1. There are no dialogues, only intersecting monologues.

    Permalink to quote #189
  2. Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.

    Permalink to quote #191
  3. There ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.

    Permalink to quote #188

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