"I'm always annoyed about why black people have to bear the brunt of everybody else's contempt. If we are not totally understanding and smiling, suddenly we're demons"
About this Quote
Toni Morrison's quote poignantly resolves the systemic marginalization and unjust expectations positioned upon black individuals in society. Through her words, Morrison highlights the historical and ongoing oppression in which black people are often unfairly subjected to societal refuse and bias. The phrase "bear the brunt of everyone else's contempt" underscores the out of proportion burden put on black communities, who are frequently scapegoated and blamed for social problems beyond their control. This can be analyzed as a commentary on the historic context of racism, where black people have been, and continue to be, targets of discrimination and injustice.
Morrison likewise critiques the impractical and unfair expectations placed upon black people to constantly stay patient, accommodating, and friendly in the face of misfortune. Her observation that, "If we are not totally understanding and smiling, unexpectedly we're demons", points to the double standards black individuals face. It recommends that any deviation from an imposed stereotype of being perpetually affable can cause negative stereotypes and unfair characterizations as hostile or aggressive. This part of the quote challenges the reader to think about how societal biases demand psychological labor from black individuals that is not similarly expected from others.
Additionally, Morrison's words imply the dehumanizing results of these expectations and biases. By depicting black individuals as "satanic forces" when they express frustration or assertiveness, society strips them of their complexity and mankind. This reflects a wider pattern in which the emotional responses of black people are policed and pathologized.
In general, Morrison's quote is a powerful critique of racial oppressions and acts as a call to acknowledge and take apart the systemic predispositions and stereotypes that perpetuate these injustices. Her words welcome introspection and action towards a more just and comprehending society, where people are not evaluated or burdened by the color of their skin.
More details
About the Author