America today Quote by Robert Sheckley
““But that's crazy, " George said. "How can I be the Average American Man? I'm only five foot eight and my name is Blaxter spelled with an "l", and I'm of Armenian and Latvian ancestry and I was born in Ship's Bottom, New Jersey. What's that average of, for Chrissakes? They better recheck their results. What they're looking for is some Iowa farmboy with blond hair and a Mercury and 2.4 children." "That's the old, outdated stereotype," the reporter said. "America today is composed of racial and ethnic minorities whose sheer ubiquity precludes the possibility of choosing an Anglo-Saxon model. The average man of today has to be unique to be average, if you see what I mean." The Shaggy Average American Man Story””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Shaggy Average American Man Story”, 1975
A satirical monologue mocks the idea of a single “average” American male, highlighting the nation’s diverse makeup and the absurdity of a universal stereotype.
In simple terms: The “average” American man is a myth; diversity makes any single definition impossible.
Key Takeaway
Reject stereotypes; embrace individuality.
Themes
identity
diversity
stereotypes
culture
humor
Mood
ironic
critical
playful
Type
satire
social commentary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political commentary
- social critique
- personal identity
- media analysis
Key Concepts
average man
racial diversity
media expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “average” mean to you?
- How do media portrayals shape self‑image?
A Different Perspective
Stereotypes can be harmful and overlook personal complexity.
