"I like boys. I am not foreign; I was born and raised in Hickory County, Mo"

Sally Rand's quote, "I like kids. I am not foreign; I was born and raised in Hickory County, Mo", can be comprehended in several layers, reflecting individuality, cultural context, and perhaps even societal perceptions. As a well known figure in American home entertainment history, Rand's public persona often intersected with individual components, leading to interesting interpretations.

To start with, the declaration "I like young boys" can symbolize a real individual choice, hinting at tourist attractions or personal relationships. However, given Rand's profession as a burlesque dancer, this phrase may playfully engage with gender expectations and standards of her time. During the early to mid-20th century, when Rand acquired prominence, gender and sexual preferences were frequently scrutinized. Therefore, her frankness might be seen as an assertion of individual flexibility or defiance against limiting social standards.

The assertion "I am not foreign; I was born and raised in Hickory County, Mo" serves several functions. This part of the quote establishes a firm connection to her roots, stressing her American upbringing amidst a duration of substantial migration and cultural change. Born in Missouri, a state often associated with standard American values, Rand highlights her familiarity and resonance with traditional American culture. In doing so, she might be preemptively countering any preconceived notions or biases an audience might harbor concerning her profession or personal inclinations as being 'other' or 'exotic.'.

Furthermore, this component of the quote might also allude to how the entertainment and media industries often exoticized or misconstrued performers who did not fit the period's stiff social molds. By freely claiming her place of birth, Rand may aim to bridge any viewed gaps in between her audience and herself, reinforcing her carte blanche to reveal unconventional choices or beliefs.

In sum, Sally Rand's quote intricately weaves personal identity with broader cultural discourses, using insight into how she browsed complex social landscapes while crafting her distinct public personality. It highlights themes of authenticity, identity, and the nuanced relationships between personal choices and social expectations.