How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Oppressed people have a good sense of humor. Think of the Jews. They know how to laugh, and to laugh at themselves! Well, we colored folks are the same way. We colored folk are survivors. (1.4.5)
There's no doubt that the Delanys have been shaped by the racism they experienced—it has made them stronger, more determined, and more humble. Bessie likens this to the way that the Jewish community adapted to the many struggles it experienced, often channeling their trauma into laughter.
Quote #5
All these white folks who thought they were above Negroes, well, many of them were not pure white! Some knew it, some didn't. But colored people could always pick them out. (4.12.4)
It was once common for non-white people with light skin to "pass" as white, although no one in the Delany family would ever stoop to such lows. To be honest, there were plenty of other people passing as white without even knowing it.
Quote #6
In New York, there were Irish people, German people, Jewish people, Italian people, and so on. So many different white people! (5.15.4)
In the South, there were clear racial lines: there were Natives, white people, and black people. Things were more complicated up North, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're more equal.