How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Several times, Major Pettigrew had been in the store when young boys on a dare would stick their enormous ears in the door to yell "Pakis go home!" Mr. Ali would only shake his head and smile while the Major would bluster and stammer apologies. (1.24)
The young boys' behavior is reprehensible, and sadly, they probably learned it from their own parents. The Major feels it necessary to apologize for them, but that doesn't change the racism in the village.
Quote #2
The Major had heard many a lady proudly speak of "our dear Pakistani friends at the shop" as proof that Edgecombe St. Mary was a utopia of multicultural understanding. (1.24)
The villagers act like they live in some magical post-racial Edgecombe St. Mary, but, while not as aggressive or borderline violent as the phrase "Pakis go home!", this comment is rooted in similar racism.
Quote #3
"Excuse me, Ernest, there's a strange woman outside who says she's waiting for you? […] Are you expecting a dark woman in a small Honda?" (2.13)
The Major's brother's widow doesn't just say "a woman"—she says "a dark woman." These people act like they've never seen a non-white person in their lives. Oh, wait: most of them haven't… unless it's behind a counter.