“Sex," the driver said, "Has no one ever told you about it?"I took the New York Times from my carry-on bag and pretended to read, an act that apparently explained it all."Ohhh," the driver said, "I understand. You do not like pussy. You like the dick. Is that it?" I brought the paper close to my face, and he stuck his arm through the little window and slapped the back of his seat. "David," he said, "David, listen to me when I am talking to you. I asked do you like the dick?""I just work," I told him. "I work, and then I go home, and then I work some more." I was trying to set a good example, trying to be the person I'd imagined him to be, but it was a lost cause."I fucky-fuck every day," he boasted. "Two women. I have a wife and another girl for the weekend. Two kind of pussy. Are you sure you no like to fucky-fuck?" If forced to, I can live with the word "pussy," but "fucky-fuck" was making me carsick. "That is not a real word," I told him. "You can say fuck, but fucky-fuck is just nonsense. Nobody talks that way. You will never get ahead with that kind of language."Traffic thickened because of an accident, and, as we slowed to a stop, the driver ran his tongue over his lips. "Fucky-fuck," he repeated. "I fucky-fucky-fucky fuck.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from David Sedaris, the driver attempts to engage the narrator in a conversation about sex, but the narrator tries to avoid the conversation by pretending to read the newspaper. The driver's crude language and insistent questioning highlight his contrast with the narrator, who tries to maintain professionalism and focus on work. The driver's boastful and vulgar language contrasts with the narrator's more reserved and articulate manner of speaking. This interaction serves to emphasize the cultural and social differences between the two characters.
Modern Relevance:
In this excerpt from David Sedaris' writing, the topic of sex and communication is humorously portrayed through an encounter with a blunt and vulgar taxi driver. Despite the comedic tone, the underlying theme of societal expectations and standards around sexual expression and language is evident. This interaction serves as a reflection of how individuals may feel pressured to conform to certain norms or face judgment for deviating from them. The driver's crude language and insistence on discussing sexual preferences highlight the discomfort and awkwardness that can arise when discussing intimate topics. This excerpt prompts readers to consider how societal attitudes towards sex and language have evolved, and the importance of open and respectful communication in navigating such conversations.
David Sedaris on an Awkward Encounter with a Driver
"“Sex," the driver said, "Has no one ever told you about it?"I took the New York Times from my carry-on bag and pretended to read, an act that apparently explained it all."Ohhh," the driver said, "I understand. You do not like pussy. You like the dick. Is that it?" I brought the paper close to my face, and he stuck his arm through the little window and slapped the back of his seat. "David," he said, "David, listen to me when I am talking to you. I asked do you like the dick?" "I just work," I told him. "I work, and then I go home, and then I work some more." I was trying to set a good example, trying to be the person I'd imagined him to be, but it was a lost cause."I fucky-fuck every day," he boasted. "Two women. I have a wife and another girl for the weekend. Two kind of pussy. Are you sure you no like to fucky-fuck?" If forced to, I can live with the word "pussy," but "fucky-fuck" was making me carsick. "That is not a real word," I told him. "You can say fuck, but fucky-fuck is just nonsense. Nobody talks that way. You will never get ahead with that kind of language."Traffic thickened because of an accident, and, as we slowed to a stop, the driver ran his tongue over his lips. "Fucky-fuck," he repeated. "I fucky-fucky-fucky fuck.” - David Sedaris"
Reflection Questions:
After reading the excerpt from David Sedaris' work, take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- How does the driver's persistent questioning about sex and use of crude language make you feel as a reader?
- Reflect on the protagonist's response of focusing on work rather than engaging in the driver's conversation about sex. Do you think this is an effective coping mechanism?
- Consider the cultural differences and perspectives on sex and sexuality that are highlighted in this excerpt. How does this shape your understanding of the characters and their interactions?
- In what ways does David Sedaris use humor and exaggeration to shed light on societal attitudes towards sex and language? How does this impact your interpretation of the text?
- How does the driver's behavior and language challenge traditional norms and expectations surrounding discussions about sex? What do you think the author is trying to convey through these interactions?
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“Georgie: I feel stupid.Andrew: What are you talking about, you feel stupid? You just walked in here and insulted me for ten minutes.Georgie: That was different. I was mad.Andrew: You have to be mad to talk?Georgie: No, come on—I don't know—Andrew: I could make you mad.Georgie: No, you couldn't. You're too nice.Andrew: Fuck you.Georgie: —Andrew—Andrew: Fuck you. Come on. Fuck you.Georgie: Yeah, fuck you too.Andrew: Fuck you.Georige: Fuck you.Andrew: Fuck you.Georgie: You look really stupid saying fuck you—Andrew: Fuck you. Fuck you! Fuck you.Georgie: Andrew, stop it. Cut it out. It sounds weird when you say it. You shouldn't talk like that.Andrew: You talk like that all the time!Georgie: I'm different. I mean, I know how to swear. You don't. It's like, fuck you. Fuck you. Or, you know, fuck you. It's just—you know. You got to know how to say it.Andrew: Fuck you.Georgie: Forget it. You look really stupid. You look the way I look when I try to talk like you.Andrew: You've tried it? Really? I must have missed that day.Georgie: Oh, fuck you.”
“You already made your point,” I say with a mouthful of fruit. “Did I?”“Oh, for the love of dick, yes. Now leave me alone.” “Never. If you want, I’ll fuck you now.” The gall. I wouldn’t fuck him now if my clit was on fire and needed to be doused with nub-saving cum. I roll my eyes at him. “No thanks, we have a lifetime of fucking ahead of us,” I say mockingly. He shrugs and starts to walk away as if it makes no difference to him one way or the other. He’s such a jackass sometimes. Before I can stop myself I throw my half-eaten banana at him and it hits him on the back of his neck. He spins around, wipes his neck and looks down at the banana on the floor. “Did you really just fruitally assault me?”He thinks he’s so damned funny with his wordplay.”