Attention Quote by Demetri Martin
“Sometimes if I really want to get someone's attention, I'll start a sentence with something like, "I'm not racist, but..." I say, "I'm not racist, but you look great today." They say, "That wasn't racist at all." I said, "I know. I said I'm not racist. You never listen. Typical Mexican."”
About This Quote
Source Stand‑up comedy routine
He satirizes the excuse “I’m not racist, but…” to expose hidden prejudice.
In simple terms: People hide bias behind denial.
Key Takeaway
Examine your own language for hidden bias.
Themes
prejudice
humor
self‑awareness
Mood
ironic
thought‑provoking
Type
satirical
educational
When to use this quote
- daily conversation
- media commentary
- teaching diversity
Key Concepts
social critique
implicit bias
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you caught yourself using a denial phrase?
- How can humor reveal deeper truths?
A Different Perspective
Humor may downplay seriousness of racism.
![“They [Muslims] are backward and evil and if it is racist to say so, then racist I must be - and happy and proud, to be so.” quote by Robert Kilroy-Silk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb5/robert-kilroy-silk-58315_evil_they-muslims-are-backward-and-evil-and-i_580207.jpg)
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
