Skip to content

David-sedaris Quote by David Sedaris

“Traveling across the United States, it's easy to see why Americans are often thought of as stupid. At the San Diego Zoo, right near the primate habitats, there's a display featuring half a dozen life-size gorillas made out of bronze. Posted nearby is a sign reading CAUTION: GORILLA STATUES MAY BE…” quote by David Sedaris
Download Open image
““Traveling across the United States, it's easy to see why Americans are often thought of as stupid. At the San Diego Zoo, right near the primate habitats, there's a display featuring half a dozen life-size gorillas made out of bronze. Posted nearby is a sign reading CAUTION: GORILLA STATUES MAY BE HOT. Everywhere you turn, the obvious is being stated. CANNON MAY BE LOUD. MOVING SIDEWALK ABOUT TO END. To people who don't run around suing one another, such signs suggest a crippling lack of intelligence. Place bronze statues beneath the southern California sun, and of course they're going to get hot. Cannons are supposed to be loud, that's their claim to fame, and - like it or not - the moving sidewalk is bound to end sooner or later. It's hard trying to explain a country whose motto has become You can't claim I didn't warn you. What can you say about the family who is suing the railroad after their drunk son was killed walking on the tracks? This pretty much sums up my trip to Texas.””

David Sedaris

About This Quote

Source Essay: Me Talk Pretty One Day, David Sedaris, 2000

The author satirically critiques American signage and legal culture, suggesting that obvious warnings reflect a perceived lack of common sense.

In simple terms: Obvious warnings imply low intelligence.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about cultural norms.

Themes

culture criticism humor legal satire travel observations

Mood

irry critical satirical

Type

observational humorous social commentary

When to use this quote

  • road trips
  • legal disputes
  • public safety signage
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

American signage liability culture stereotypes

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do signs shape behavior?
  • Do warnings reflect or create perceived stupidity?
A Different Perspective

The humor may oversimplify complex regional differences.

4.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by David Sedaris

Explore all 667 David Sedaris quotes

More David-sedaris quotes

Browse all 7 David-sedaris quotes