Prosecutor: Tell the court why you think he is a traitor to this country. Miss America: I think Mr. Mellish is a traitor to this country because his views are different from the views of the president and others of his kind. Differences of opinion should be tolerated, but not when they're too different. Then he becomes a subversive mother.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A prosecutor asks why someone is a traitor; Miss America says differing views can be tolerated unless too different, then the person becomes a subversive mother.
- In plain terms
- She suggests that dissent is okay only up to a point, after which it’s labeled subversive.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of labeling dissent as treason.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does dissent become dangerous?
- Who decides the line?
Another view
The quote is a satirical, confusing exchange lacking clear argument.
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