---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What’re those blacks doing across the…"
description: "\"“What’re those blacks doing across the street walking around the courthouse in the dark?” “It’s called a vigil,” explained Harry Rex. “They’ve vowed to..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/john-grisham-974_poor-people_what-re-those-blacks-doing-across-the-st_1967058.jpg"
---

#  What’re those blacks doing across the street walking…

![“What’re those blacks doing across the street walking around the courthouse in the dark?” “It’s called a vigil,” explained Harry Rex. “They’ve vowed to walk around the courthouse with candles, keeping a vigil until their man is free.” “That could be an awfully long vigil. I mean, those poor people…” quote by John Grisham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/john-grisham-974_poor-people_what-re-those-blacks-doing-across-the-st_1967058.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/john-grisham-974_poor-people_what-re-those-blacks-doing-across-the-st_1967058.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/john-grisham-974_poor-people_what-re-those-blacks-doing-across-the-st_1967058.jpg)

> ““What’re those blacks doing across the street walking around the courthouse in the dark?” “It’s called a vigil,” explained Harry Rex. “They’ve vowed to walk around the courthouse with candles, keeping a vigil until their man is free.” “That could be an awfully long vigil. I mean, those poor people could be walking until they die. I mean, this could be a twelve-, fifteen-year vigil. They might set a record. They might have candle wax up to their asses.””

[John Grisham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-grisham/)

## About This Quote

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

A satirical comment on the absurdity of prolonged protests that become symbolic gestures rather than effective actions.

**In simple terms:** Protests can become pointless rituals.

Key Takeaway

Focus on actionable change, not endless symbolism.

Themes

activism protest symbolism ineffectiveness

Mood

ironic critical thoughtful

Type

satire commentary political

When to use this quote

- community organizing
- legal reform
- public awareness campaigns

Key Concepts

civil rights public demonstration social justice

Questions to Reflect On

- How can a protest stay effective over time?
- What alternatives exist to symbolic gestures?

A Different Perspective

Endless vigils may lose impact without concrete goals.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Poor people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poor-people/)

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