I believe the ability to think is blessed. If you can think about a situation, you can deal with it. The big struggle is to keep your head clear enough to think.
Richard PryorRead
I went to Zimbabwe. I know how white people feel in America now; relaxed! Cause when I heard the police car I knew they weren't coming after me!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously expresses the relief of not feeling targeted by law enforcement due to one's race.
Richard Pryor's quote reflects on his experiences in Zimbabwe and draws a poignant comparison to the racial dynamics in America. He highlights the comfort and relaxation that comes from not being subjected to racial profiling, emphasizing the stark differences in societal treatment based on race, while presenting it through a comedic lens that invites reflection on serious social issues.
Themes
RaceComedyPoliceRelaxationDiscrimination
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a comedy routine to address racial issues humorously.
More from Richard Pryor
All quotes βThere was a time in my life when I thought I had everything - millions of dollars, mansions, cars, nice clothes, beautiful women, and every other materialistic thing you can imagine. Now I struggle for peace.
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I think about being married again, having a home and a wife. No one can ever be married too many times, and maybe if I keep trying I'll get it right one day.
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Imagine people calling you to find out if you're dead. I've led a real crazy life at times, and I've had many strange things happen to me, but that was one of the strangest.
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The way I see it, the earth is going to be here after we're dead and gone. Even if it's a polluted planet, and they messed it up. Where do they go from here - to another planet so they can mess that up too?
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You work your butt off and somebody says you can't have your record played because it offends them. Tyrants are made of such stuff.
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