Why was that librarian so rude to her?

Remember the period! There were, I suppose many holocaust and other war survivors flooding the neighborhoods. And considering how racist people were back then, and how a librarian could easily consider a sickly looking girl with such broken english inferior to him, I don't find it shocking. In fact, I find it still very relevant. I'm an Indian, and I've been treated the same way (although admittedly, not that harshly) by the French with jobs like ticket bookers during my stay in Paris. It's very sad that such biases still exist, especially because I guess many outsiders, like me, want to embrace other cultures with such rich histories like the French, and a few people malign the happy hospitality of these countries.

I'm considering going to the US for my post-graduation this summer, and this would be my first time going to the US. From what I've heard, the US is a very diversity-friendly country, and I'm optimistic about my education and stay there. I find it a bit reassuring when Sophie says that she's eaten more good in the US in six months that in her whole life. Although that probably wouldn't be the case with me (I'm a vegetarian), it gives me hope that I'd make some good friends and have a happy stay. I'm lucky that I'm not as broken and injured as Sophie! Have there been anyone else on here who've shifted to other countries esp. to the US, and can in some ways relate to Sophie's experience?

I would highly recommend that you watch A Gentleman's Agreement starring Gregory Peck. It deals with the prejudice that many Jews faced after World War II. actually it's set later than this film, but it's enlightening.



There's something here that doesn't make sense. Let's go and poke it with a stick.-Doctor Who

He is just an arrogant prick. No need for further explanation. He has a high opinion of himself, yet he is a librarian, so he has to compensate by taking it out on others. Not an uncommon type. One runs across them all the time. He was so cruel because he could be. Sophie was an easy mark - a foreigner with no friends who could not fight back.