The thought that my mother would suddenly be a foreigner would upset me very much

The thought that my mother would suddenly be a foreigner would upset me very much

Tony Benn, a prominent British politician and advocate for social justice, once famously said, “The thought that my mother would suddenly be a foreigner would upset me very much.” This statement reflects Benn’s deep-rooted belief in the importance of unity and solidarity among people, regardless of their nationality or background.

Benn’s words highlight the emotional impact that the concept of being a foreigner can have on individuals and their sense of identity. In a world that is increasingly divided by borders and nationalities, the idea of one’s own mother becoming a foreigner can evoke feelings of fear, confusion, and loss. It challenges the notion of belonging and raises questions about what it means to be a part of a community or a nation.

For Benn, the thought of his mother becoming a foreigner is not just a hypothetical scenario, but a powerful symbol of the potential consequences of exclusion and discrimination. It speaks to the fundamental human need for connection and understanding, and the devastating effects of being treated as an outsider in one’s own home.