Skip to content

When I'm born I'm black, when I grow up I'm black, when…

“When I'm born I'm black, when I grow up I'm black, when I'm in the sun I'm black, when I'm sick I'm black, when I die I'm black, and you... when you're born you're pink, when you grow up you're white, when you're cold you're blue, when you're sick you're blue, when you die you're green and you…” quote by Oglala Lakota
Download Open image
““When I'm born I'm black, when I grow up I'm black, when I'm in the sun I'm black, when I'm sick I'm black, when I die I'm black, and you... when you're born you're pink, when you grow up you're white, when you're cold you're blue, when you're sick you're blue, when you die you're green and you dare call me colored””

Oglala Lakota

About This Quote

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

The speaker highlights racial labeling absurdities, showing how society assigns colors based on arbitrary traits.

In simple terms: Racial labels are arbitrary and often contradictory.

Key Takeaway

Question and challenge racial stereotypes.

Themes

identity race social constructs labeling stereotypes

Mood

reflective critical provocative

Type

Labels:1 Racism:1 Born Black:1 Born Pink:1 Black Born:1 Grow Black:1 Sick Black:1

When to use this quote

  • education
  • policy making
  • personal reflection
  • media representation

Key Concepts

color symbolism social psychology racial identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What impact do color labels have on self‑identity?
  • How can we move beyond simplistic racial categories?
A Different Perspective

Labels can reinforce division rather than foster understanding.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More Labels quotes

Browse all 1,645 Labels quotes