Art Quote by Frank Portman
““I felt bad because Little Big Tom came in while we were making the tape and was like over the moon because he thought we were interested in his music. We had to humor him and listen to him deliver around six hundred speeches about fusion and the Art Ensemble of Chicago and Chicano and Latino influences on pretentious jazzy pseudorock. I think it was probably the happiest I'd ever seen him. And I also felt bad about the fact that after he left we kind of made fun of the funny way he said Latino, like he was the Frito Bandito or something. I felt bad, but I did it anyway, because I'm only human. I was ashamed of myself and depressed afterward, though, which is human, too, I guess. Being human is an excuse for just about everything, but it also kind of sucks in a way.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast with Frank Portman, 2020
The speaker feels guilt for mocking a guest while also rationalizing it as human weakness, highlighting the conflict between empathy and social pressure.
In simple terms: Feeling guilty for mocking someone but blaming humanity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and own up to hurtful behavior.
Themes
guilt
human nature
social dynamics
Mood
reflective
regretful
Type
personal
confessional
When to use this quote
- band interviews
- social gatherings
- team meetings
- creative collaborations
Key Concepts
empathy
self‑deception
cultural sensitivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does you excuse of “being human” affect accountability?
- What steps can you take to avoid similar behavior?
A Different Perspective
Humor can mask underlying disrespect and cause lingering shame.
