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Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead Quotes

Novelist

Colson Whitehead is an American novelist known for his distinctive literary style and profound insights into historical themes. His works cover a range of topics from slavery to modern urban life, with his 'New York Trilogy' and 'The Underground Railroad' being particularly notable.

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All People African Americans Book Thinking Writing Slavery Racism Blacks World America Ideas Life Race Relations Trying Cities Different Freedom Ifs Knows New York

Famous Colson Whitehead Quotes

“He had met this sort of white man before, earnest and believing what came out of their mouths. The veracity of their words was another matter, but at least they believed them. The southern white man was spat from the loins of the devil and there was no way to forecast his next evil act.”

Truth Evil Belief South African Americans Race Relations White People Southerners

Book:The Underground Railroad

Source: The Underground Railroad

“Slavery is a sin when whites were put to the yoke, but not the African. All men are created equal, unless we decide you are not a man.”

Dignity Slavery African Americans Race Relations White People

Book:The Underground Railroad

Source: The Underground Railroad

“And America, too, is a delusion, the grandest one of all. The white race believes--believes with all its heart--that it is their right to take the land. To kill Indians. Make war. Enslave their brothers. This nation shouldn't exist, if there is any justice in the world, for its foundations are murder, theft, and cruelty. Yet here we are.”

War America United States Slavery Cruelty Usa United States Of America African Americans Theft Race Relations Us Native Americans Delusions

Book:The Underground Railroad

Source: The Underground Railroad

“White man trying to kill you slow every day, and sometimes trying to kill you fast. Why make it easy for him? That was one kind of work you could say no to.”

Death Slavery African Americans Escape Race Relations Whites Slaves

Book:The Underground Railroad

Source: The Underground Railroad

“The Uncle Tom, the grinning nigger, the house nigger who is to blame for her debased place in this world. Pompey gave them a blueprint for colored folk. How they acted. How they pleased white folks. How eager they would be for a piece of the dream that they would do anything for massa.”

Race Racism African Americans Blacks Race Relations Stereotypes Caricatures Subservience Uncle Tom Debasement

Book:The Intuitionist

Source: The Intuitionist

“Let one colored in and you're integrated. Let two in, you got a race war as they try to kiss up to whitey.”

Race Competition Integration African Americans Blacks Race Relations Whites Subservience Kissing Up

Book:The Intuitionist

Source: The Intuitionist

About the Author

Born: November 6, 1969
Known for: Novelist
Quotes: 154

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Books & Sources

The Underground RailroadRelated source material

The Noble Hustle: Poker, Beef Jerky, and DeathRelated source material

Harlem ShuffleRelated source material

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The Intuitionist: A NovelRelated source material

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