We know that we're not supposed to be racially biased, and we don't want to think of ourselves as racially biased, so we tell ourselves a different story.
Randall KennedyRead
In elite, primarily white institutions, there are many blacks who have white wives. So much so that sometimes there is almost the assumption that I would be married to a white woman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the societal assumptions surrounding interracial relationships, particularly the notion that successful Black men are often expected to partner with white women.
In this quote, Randall Kennedy highlights the prevalence of interracial marriages, specifically focusing on Black men who are married to white women. He points out how this phenomenon leads to a societal expectation or stereotype that assumes successful Black individuals will have white partners, which brings to light larger discussions about race, identity, and societal norms within predominantly white institutions.
Themes
InterracialMarriageExpectationsRaceIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a discussion on the dynamics of race and relationships in a sociology class.
More from Randall Kennedy
All quotes →All white people in the United States have benefited from a white supremacy. But does that mean that a white person should be viewed badly because they turn against a white supremacist policy? Just because you've benefited from something shouldn't disable you from repudiating it.
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