So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.'
Patton OswaltRead
Wars are usually really popular with people that aren't gonna be affected by them. 'Cause it's just entertainment, and it's just weird, like, 'Well, we've got to show the world that we're strong.' No we don't. And by the way, that has nothing to do with you. Why are you equating yourself with that... you know what I mean?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the disconnect between those who support wars and those who are actually impacted by them.
Patton Oswalt's quote underscores the irony and absurdity of how wars are often glamorized as a form of entertainment for those who are not personally affected by the consequences. It challenges the notion that strength and power should be demonstrated through conflict and suggests that individuals should not conflate their identity with the glorification of war, calling out the detachment that can exist in public sentiment about violence and military conflict.
Themes
WarEntertainmentDisconnectStrengthIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on military intervention, one could use this quote to highlight the detachment of politicians from the realities of war.
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I really had to imagine the kind of person that I would have been if I had never left my hometown. I don't think I would have been a very pleasant person.
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