Everyday Use Race Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Paragraph

Quote #4

"Wa-su-zo Tean-o!" [Dee] says, coming on in that gliding way the dress makes her move. (21)

Dee's African salutation sure is more interesting than your average hello. What statement is she trying to make by using this greeting?

Quote #5

The short stocky fellow with the hair to his navel is all grinning and he follows up with "Asalamalakim, my mother and sister!" (21)

The narrator makes plenty of observations about Hakim-a-barber's appearance. But why doesn't she comment on the color of his skin?

Quote #6

[Dee] stoops down quickly and lines up picture after picture of me sitting there in front of the house with Maggie cowering behind me. She never takes a shot without making sure the house is included. When a cow comes nibbling around the edge of the yard she snaps it and me and Maggie and the house. (22)

Dee seems to play the part of some National Geographic photographer capturing the quaint scene of a black woman and child in front of a shabby house in a pasture. Weird, right? What is her deal with taking these pictures?