If the real radical finds that having long hair sets up psychological barriers to communication and organization, he cuts his hair. If I were organizing in an orthodox Jewish community, I would not walk in there eating a ham sandwich unless I wanted to be rejected so I could have an excuse to cop out.

In this quote, Saul Alinsky discusses the importance of adaptability and understanding the context in which one is trying to enact change. He emphasizes that a true radical—someone deeply committed to making societal or political changes—will make practical decisions to avoid psychological barriers that might hinder communication and effective organization. For example, if something like long hair becomes a symbol that prevents people from listening or cooperating, a true radical would be willing to make personal sacrifices, such as cutting their hair, to achieve their goal. The idea is that success in organizing requires understanding and adapting to the values and norms of the community being worked with.

The origin of this quote comes from Alinsky’s activist philosophy and his focus on community organizing. He was known for his pragmatic approach to social change, where he believed that effective organizers must be flexible and strategic in their actions. By using this example of the ham sandwich, Alinsky makes it clear that cultural sensitivity is key—an organizer must respect the specific cultural or religious practices of the community they are trying to engage with, rather than taking a confrontational or dismissive stance.

Alinsky’s statement also speaks to the idea of authenticity and the distinction between truly wanting change and using ideological differences as an excuse for not engaging in the hard work of organizing. He suggests that walking into an orthodox Jewish community while eating a ham sandwich would not be a legitimate form of protest, but rather an act of self-sabotage. The point here is that effective change requires respect and understanding, not a desire for rejection or an excuse to avoid real action.

Ultimately, Alinsky’s quote reinforces his belief that successful organizing is about strategic thinking, adaptability, and a willingness to meet people where they are. It highlights that radicals who truly want to make a difference must be willing to make personal adjustments to engage others, instead of holding onto practices or attitudes that create unnecessary divisions. Alinsky stresses that the goal of organizing is not to create conflict but to foster understanding and build effective relationships in pursuit of change.