"To add to our misery and despair, a bloated aristocracy has sent to China - the greatest and oldest despotism in the world - for a cheap working slave"
- Denis Kearney
About this Quote
This quote by Denis Kearney is a criticism of the wealthy upper class of society. He is referring to the exploitation of Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. He is indicating that the wealthy have actually made the most of the Chinese people by bringing them to the United States to work for low wages. He is likewise suggesting that the Chinese individuals are being treated like slaves, as they are not offered the same rights and advantages as other residents. He is also criticizing the Chinese government, which he calls the "biggest and earliest despotism worldwide," for enabling this exploitation to occur. He is expressing his anger and disappointment at the unfairness of the scenario, and how it has contributed to the suffering and anguish of the Chinese people. He is requiring change and for the rich to be held responsible for their actions.
"The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it"