Skip to content

But the statue attracted a middle-aged, brown-haired…

“But the statue attracted a middle-aged, brown-haired, overweight White guy. Clearly drunk, he climbed onto the tiny stage and started fondling Buddha before his laughing audience of drunk friends at a nearby table. I had learned a long time ago to tune out the antics of drunk White people doing…” quote by Ibram X. Kendi
Download Open image
““But the statue attracted a middle-aged, brown-haired, overweight White guy. Clearly drunk, he climbed onto the tiny stage and started fondling Buddha before his laughing audience of drunk friends at a nearby table. I had learned a long time ago to tune out the antics of drunk White people doing things that could get a Black person arrested. Harmless White fun is Black lawlessness.””

Ibram X. Kendi

About This Quote

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

Observes that white drunken behavior can be perceived as threatening to Black people, highlighting racial double standards.

In simple terms: White drunken antics can feel unsafe for Black people.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge racial double standards.

Themes

race social perception power dynamics

Mood

reflective critical

Type

social commentary observational

When to use this quote

  • nightlife
  • public events
  • interracial interactions

Key Concepts

racial bias public space police interaction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do societal norms treat similar actions differently by race?
  • What steps can reduce perceived threat?
A Different Perspective

Harmless intent may still cause harm due to systemic bias.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ibram X. Kendi

Explore all 140 Ibram X. Kendi quotes

More African americans quotes

Browse all 593 African americans quotes