How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The last thing Pa and Big Ma wanted to hear was how we made a grand Negro spectacle of ourselves. (1.5)
Delphine realizes that how she acts isn't just a reflection on her or her folks; she represents all African American people. That's a lot of pressure for an eleven year old (or anyone, really). Ugh.
Quote #2
A large white woman came and stood before us, clapping her hands like we were on display at the Bronx Zoo. (3.13)
Nobody wants to be treated like an animal. This is exactly how Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern feel when people stop to take their picture in the middle of the airport to take their picture. What these people are really saying is that it's weird for African American people to act like humans. No wonder it bugs Delphine so much—it's super offensive and racist.
Quote #3
I found us a place in line behind Puerto Ricans who didn't look Puerto Rican but who spoke Spanish. Then I remembered our study of the fifty states. They were probably Mexicans. (10.5)
Hmm… is it just us or does Delphine stereotype people based on race, too? Here she explains what people in front of her in line look like. Sure, she doesn't mean anything bad by it, but she still makes snap judgments based on race.