“I kinda always preferred to be hated. Like Eric von Stroheim in the movies, the man you love to hate, it’s meant to be ironic, courage wants to laugh. Y’know it’s a stupid situation.”
Jim Morrison famously said, “I kinda always preferred to be hated,” as part of a quote in which he compared himself to the actor Erich von Stroheim, whom he saw as the “man you love to hate”. This preference is framed within a discussion of his curiosity and testing the bounds of reality, suggesting a deliberate embrace of a controversial, or even antagonistic, public persona.
Comparison to Erich von Stroheim: Morrison identified with the actor known for playing villains, seeing it as an ironic position to be in.
Curiosity and reality-testing: He linked this preference to his exploration of the limits of reality and the consequences of his actions.
Controversial persona: The quote reflects his public image, which was often overshadowed by his notorious behavior, drug use, and arrests, but also admired for his poetic lyrics and stage presence.