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It has come to my attention lately,” he says, “that sales…

“It has come to my attention lately,” he says, “that sales are up on suntan lotion and sunblock. Now who do you think are the customers for this item? I’ll tell you who. White people, that’s who. Not you or I, brother. No, it’s white people.” His voice deepens. “Now what do you think of a people…” quote by Vivian Gornick
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““It has come to my attention lately,” he says, “that sales are up on suntan lotion and sunblock. Now who do you think are the customers for this item? I’ll tell you who. White people, that’s who. Not you or I, brother. No, it’s white people.” His voice deepens. “Now what do you think of a people who keep telling us they’re superior, and…” Without warning he pauses, his eyes squeeze shut, and he screams, “They can’t even make it in the fuckin’ sun!” Back to broadcast news. “You—” He points calmly at the heads of the fleeing crowd. “The white people. Don’t even belong. On the planet.””

Vivian Gornick

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 mocks racist superiority claims, highlighting absurdity of excluding white people from belonging on Earth

In simple terms: Ridiculous racism is exposed as baseless and harmful

Key Takeaway

Challenge prejudice with empathy

Themes

racism irony social critique

Mood

irry critical

Type

satirical commentary

When to use this quote

  • media commentary
  • public discourse
  • racial tension
  • activism

Key Concepts

Satire identity politics exclusion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions underlie the speaker’s sarcasm?
  • How can satire effectively confront bigotry?
A Different Perspective

The humor may downplay serious harm of racism

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