Let a prejudice be bequeathed, carried in the air, adopted by hearsay, caught in through the eye,–however it may come, these minds will give it a habitation; it is something to assert strongly and bravely, something to fill up the void of spontaneous ideas, something to impose on others with the authority of conscious right; it is at once a staff and a baton.
The quote reflects how prejudices can be passed down and adopted through various means such as hearsay or observation. It highlights that these biases take root in people's minds, becoming something that can be asserted with confidence. This suggests that individuals may lean on these preconceived notions to fill gaps in their original thoughts, providing them with a sense of authority and justification in their beliefs.
Furthermore, the analogy of prejudice as both a staff and a baton emphasizes its dual function; it can support individuals while also allowing them to exert influence over others. This illustrates the powerful and pervasive nature of societal biases, showcasing how they can shape thoughts and behaviors across generations, often becoming an accepted part of the collective mindset.