“Ben Starling, you better not have bought your token black friend a racist shirt”
Modern Relevance
In this quote from author John Green, the issue of racial insensitivity in gift-giving is highlighted. This serves as a reminder to be mindful of the messages we may inadvertently send through our choices. Today, as conversations around race and cultural appropriation continue to evolve, it is important to be aware of the impact of our actions on marginalized communities.
Quote Analysis
In this quote from John Green, the character Ben Starling is being warned about the potential offensiveness of a gift he may have given to his friend. The use of the phrase "token black friend" suggests that Ben may only have this friend as a way to appear diverse, rather than valuing them as an individual. This highlights the issue of tokenism and the superficial nature of some friendships. Green's use of humor in the quote also serves to point out the absurdity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of the impact of our actions and words on others.
Example of Usage
In this quote, John Green is addressing Ben Starling and advising him against buying a racist shirt for his black friend. The use of sarcasm and irony highlights the importance of being racially sensitive and respectful towards others.
Reflection Questions:
Reflect on the dynamics of friendship and race brought up in this quote. How does Ben's act of buying a potentially racist shirt for his friend raise questions about their relationship and his understanding of race? How might John Green's choice to include this dialogue prompt readers to consider their own views on race and friendship?
Similar quotes
“Oh no you didn't," Radar says when I show him why we're laughing. "Ben Starling, you better not have bought your token black friend a racist shirt.”
“When Ben unfurls the T-shirts, there are two small problems. First, it turns out that a large T-shirt in a Georgia gas station is not the same size as a large T-shirt at, say, Old Navy. The gas station shirt is gigantic-more garbage bag than shirt. It is smaller than the graduation robes, but not by much. But this problem pales in comparison to the other problem, which is that both T-shirts are embossed with huge Confederate flags. Printed over the flag are the words HERITAGE NOT HATE."Oh no you didn't," Radar says when I show him why we're laughing. "Ben Starling, you better not have bought your token black friend a racist shirt.""I just grabbed the first shirts I saw, bro.""Don't bro me right now," Radar says, but he's shaking his head and laughing. I hand him his shirt and he wiggles into it while driving with his knees. "I hope I get pulled over," he says. "I'd like to see how the cop responds to a black man wearing a Confederate T-shirt over a black dress.”
“But non of this matters, because you're not going to listen to your token black Jewish bi friend, are you?”
“credit, youre jewish, your best friend is black, and your girlfriend is a cheating whore. Even if I wore gay, I'd still have it better than you.”
“Or it's happening because Shori is black, and racists—probably Ina racists—don't like the idea that a good part of the answer to your daytime problems is melanin.”