The Jew is not a disturber of the peace of any country. Even his enemies will concede that. He is not a loafer, he is not a sot, he is not noisy, he is not a brawler nor a rioter, he is not quarrelsome. In the statistics of crime his presence is conspicuously rare - in all countries. With murder and other crimes of violence he has but little to do: he is a stranger to the hangman. In the police court's daily long roll of 'assaults' and 'drunk and disorderlies' his name seldom appears ...
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This passage argues that Jewish people are law-abiding and rarely involved in violent crime.
- In plain terms
- Jewish people are not criminals and avoid violence.
- What can you take from it?
- Stereotypes often misrepresent the character of specific groups.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we avoid generalizing groups?
- What role does statistics play in defending people?
Another view
It generalizes an entire group, which can reinforce division even when defending them.
More from Mark Twain
I have no special regard for Satan; but, I can at least claim that I have no prejudice against him. It may even be that I lean a little his way, on account of …
Permalink to quote #98 A Jewish beggar is not impossible, perhaps; such a thing may exist, but there are few men that can say they have seen that spectacle.
Permalink to quote #100 I have no race prejudices nor caste prejudices nor creed prejudices. All I care to know is that a man is a human being, and that is enough for me; he can't be …
Permalink to quote #97
Related quotes
It breaks immortality's neck Contemplates crime and therefore halts it; It humbles barbarous nations And makes of savages, champions.
Jose RizalJose Rizal quote #33 ... the stereo-type of scientists being scruffy nerds with rows of pens in their top pocket is just about as wicked as racist stereotypes.
Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins quote #142 'It is more than a crime; it is a political fault,' -words which I record, because they have been repeated and attributed to others.
Joseph FoucheJoseph Fouche quote #1