Truth is the baby of the world. It never gets old.
Dick GregoryRead
It was an unwritten law that black comics were not permitted to work white nightclubs. You could sing and you could dance, but you couldn't stand flat-footed and talk; that was a no-no.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the racial barriers faced by black comedians in the entertainment industry, particularly in white venues.
Dick Gregory's quote reflects the systemic racism present in the entertainment industry, particularly during the time when black performers faced significant restrictions. While they could showcase their musical and dance talents, their ability to perform stand-up comedy—a more verbal and narrative art form—was heavily restricted, underscoring broader societal issues of discrimination and exclusion based on race.
Themes
RacismComedyPerformanceEntertainmentInjustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on racial inequality in the arts, this quote can emphasize the historical challenges faced by black performers.
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We thought I was going to be a great athlete, and we were wrong, and I thought I was going to be a great entertainer, and that wasn't it either. I'm going to be an American Citizen. First class.
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