“I see the face of a child. He lives in a great city. He is black. Or he is white. He is Mexican, Italian, Polish. None of that matters. What matters, he’s an American child.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“I see the face of a child. He lives in a great city. He is black. Or he is white. He is Mexican, Italian, Polish. None of that matters. What matters, he’s an American child.”
Explanation
This quote from Richard Nixon expresses a vision of national unity that transcends racial and ethnic divisions, emphasizing a shared American identity. By naming children of different backgrounds—black, white, Mexican, Italian, Polish—and then declaring “none of that matters”, Nixon appeals to the ideal that every child, regardless of heritage, deserves equal recognition and opportunity. The phrase “what matters, he’s an American child” places national belonging above differences, promoting a message of inclusion and common destiny.
Historically, this quote reflects Nixon’s rhetoric during a time of social upheaval in the United States, particularly concerning civil rights, urban inequality, and immigration. While his administration had a complex and often criticized relationship with issues of race, Nixon understood the symbolic power of unity and frequently used such language to bridge political and cultural divides. His appeal here is not policy-specific but aspirational, invoking the emotional power of seeing all children as part of one national family.
In the modern era, the quote continues to speak to debates around identity, integration, and equity. It resonates in discussions about how society views children from immigrant or minority backgrounds, and whether citizenship and shared values can outweigh cultural or racial barriers. Nixon’s words call for a vision of patriotism rooted in inclusivity, reminding us that true national strength lies in embracing all who call a country home—especially its most vulnerable and hopeful: the children.
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