You know Anne,' he said quietly, 'when I am with a Hmong or a French or an American person, I am always the one who laughs last at a joke. I am the chameleon animal. You can place me anyplace, and I will survive, but I will not belong. I must tell you that I do not really belong anywhere.
by Anne Fadiman
(0 Reviews)

The quote reflects a profound sense of disconnection and the struggle for identity faced by the speaker, who feels like a perpetual outsider regardless of the cultural context. Despite the ability to adapt and blend in with various groups, there's an underlying realization that true belonging remains elusive. The metaphor of the chameleon emphasizes the adaptability needed to navigate different cultural landscapes, yet highlights a deep-seated longing for a place or...

Rate the Quote

Add Comment & Review

User Reviews

Based on 0 reviews
5 Star
0
4 Star
0
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0
Add Comment & Review
We'll never share your email with anyone else.
More »

Other quotes in The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures

More »

Popular quotes