Famous quote by Norman Jewison

"And I think all Nazis didn't see themselves as bad people. I've never met a racist yet who thought he was a racist. Or an anti-Semite who thought they were anti-Semitic"

About this Quote

Norman Jewison's quote offers a thought-provoking viewpoint on self-perception and the nature of bias. At its core, this statement speaks to the concept that individuals who hold discriminatory views or take part in harmful actions typically do not see themselves as villains or harboring bias. This is a reflection on the intricacy of human self-justification and cognitive dissonance.

The first part of the quote, "And I believe all Nazis didn't see themselves as bad people", highlights the concept that those who commit outright acts-- such as those associated with the Nazi regime-- might rationalize their actions in a way that avoids self-condemnation. This could originate from social conditioning, propaganda, or a manipulated belief in a higher cause. The implication is that, within their own structures, they discovered ways to ethically justify their actions, likely perceiving themselves as supporters of an essential ideology instead of wrongdoers of atrocity.

Jewison's mention of never ever having "met a racist yet who believed he was a racist" looks into the denial and rationalization typically present in individuals who hold prejudiced beliefs. Many people base their self-image on positive attributes, and admitting to being racist or anti-Semitic is incongruent with that self-image. Rather, they might believe that their views are warranted or that they are exceptions to what they acknowledge as racism in others. This also reflects the more comprehensive societal tendency to externalize negative characteristics, seeing them as the problems of 'others' rather than individual defects.

The quote eventually highlights the threats of unattended predispositions and the significance of self-reflection. It challenges readers to consider how individuals can harbor and act upon prejudices while staying blind to the implications of their actions. Jewison's insight serves as a suggestion of the complexities within human psychology and the need for vigilance in recognizing and addressing our own predispositions.

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About the Author

Canada Flag This quote is written / told by Norman Jewison somewhere between July 21, 1926 and today. He/she was a famous Director from Canada. The author also have 31 other quotes.
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