Skip to content

When Negroes are average, they fail, unless they are very…

“When Negroes are average, they fail, unless they are very, very lucky. Now, if you're average and white, honey, you can go far. Just look at Dan Quayle. If that boy was colored he'd be washing dishes somewhere.” quote by Annie Elizabeth Delany
Download Open image
“When Negroes are average, they fail, unless they are very, very lucky. Now, if you're average and white, honey, you can go far. Just look at Dan Quayle. If that boy was colored he'd be washing dishes somewhere.”

Annie Elizabeth Delany

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

When Black people are average, they often fail unless exceptionally lucky; white people can succeed more easily.

In simple terms: Racial disparity in success.

Key Takeaway

Recognize systemic bias, strive for equity.

Themes

race inequality luck

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

social political

When to use this quote

  • education
  • career advancement
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

systemic racism social mobility privilege

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does luck affect success?
  • What can be done to level the playing field?
A Different Perspective

Individual effort alone cannot overcome structural barriers.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Annie Elizabeth Delany

Explore all 10 Annie Elizabeth Delany quotes

More Average quotes

Browse all 2,816 Average quotes