Race Quotes in Boardwalk Empire

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

But the mobility available in the workplace did not translate into social mobility. As Blacks grew in numbers, the racial attitude of Atlantic City's Whites hardened. (3.23)

At first, race relations are pretty solid in Atlantic City. As more black families move into the city, however, white residents start to see their monopoly being threatened and respond angrily. To these people, a few black residents are fine, but a sizeable black population is to be feared. It's pretty ridiculous.

Quote #8

Although Northern Whites did not institute a legal system of segregation and disenfranchisement, they did develop subtlety identifiable discriminatory patterns. (3.26)

Once again, we see commonly held stereotypes about the North and the South completely shattered. On one hand, it's obvious that Southern states have more laws regulating the lives of black citizens, and never for the better. While these laws don't exist on the books up North, the racially-charged motivations behind them are as present as ever.

Quote #9

Many readings from the time […] have an unreal quality. It was almost as if White society wished Blacks would disappear at the end of the workday. (3.29)

That would be the least cool magic trick of all time. This just goes to show the downright absurdity of racism. Atlantic City—and the country as a whole—has been built by black workers, yet they never gain the respect of white citizens, no matter how hard they try. It's pretty ridiculous.