Family politics are worse than world politics. That's all I can say. You don't get to choose your family; you get to choose your friends. Your family is imposed upon you.

The quote by Michael Cimino compares family politics to world politics, suggesting that family dynamics can be even more complicated and challenging. He expresses the frustration that arises within family relationships, where conflicts and power struggles can feel intense and unavoidable. This highlights how deeply personal and emotional family interactions can be, often involving long histories and unchangeable bonds.

Cimino points out a crucial difference between family and friendships: you don’t get to choose your family, whereas you do get to choose your friends. This means family relationships are imposed on you by birth or circumstance, which can lead to tensions that are harder to avoid or escape. Friends, on the other hand, are selected based on mutual respect and compatibility, often leading to less complicated dynamics.

The origin of this quote comes from Michael Cimino, a filmmaker known for his candid and sometimes critical reflections on human relationships and society. His words capture the reality that family ties, while important, can sometimes be a source of conflict because they are not voluntary and often come with deep emotional baggage.

In summary, the quote emphasizes the complexity and intensity of family relationships, contrasting them with the voluntary nature of friendships. It serves as a reminder of the unique challenges that come with familial bonds and the need for patience and understanding within these relationships.