"I can't discriminate? Oh, that's ripe, coming from a straight white man. What's the matter, baby doesn't feel like he belongs? Well why don't you try a place that was set up just for you? Like the world!"
- Lea DeLaria
About this Quote
Lea DeLaria's quote is a powerful review of systemic advantage, particularly focusing on the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Through this declaration, DeLaria challenges the concept of discrimination as perceived by people who are part of social bulks or dominant groups-- in this case, a straight white male.
The opening line, "I can't discriminate?", positions a rhetorical concern that highlights a perceived paradox or hypocrisy when members of dominant groups declare to experience discrimination. DeLaria's usage of the word "ripe" suggests a sense of incredulity; she finds it paradoxical or ridiculous that such claims would originate from someone who gains from numerous layers of societal benefit.
Her follow-up, "Oh, that's ripe, originating from a straight white man," highlights the significant opportunities that directly white men generally keep in lots of societies. By stressing these identity aspects, DeLaria highlights the contrast between the daily experiences of marginalized groups and those who come from the majority. The use of "straight white guy" is deliberate, emphasizing 3 axes of opportunity: heterosexuality, race, and gender.
The next lines, "What's the matter, child does not seem like he belongs? Well why don't you try a place that was established simply for you? Like the world!" are both sarcastic and important. DeLaria uses sarcasm to dismiss any complaints of exclusion experienced by dominant groups. The phrase "child does not seem like he belongs" buffoons the discomfort a privileged individual might feel when faced with scenarios where they are not the centerpiece. By suggesting that the world itself is a place "set up" for straight white guys, she mentions that social, economic, and political systems have historically been developed to benefit this group.
In general, DeLaria's quote is a sharp commentary on the realities of benefit and power dynamics, motivating reflection on how social structures continue to favor specific identities over others.
This quote is written / told by Lea DeLaria somewhere between May 23, 1958 and today. He/she was a famous Comedian from USA.
The author also have 7 other quotes.
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"
