How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
"Everyone is proud to acknowledge a tiny bit of a 'bad' thing," said Meridian. "They know how fascinating it makes them." (1.14.48)
Although Truman is proud of his heritage and vocal about civil rights, he ends up compromising his values for a very basic reason—girls. He knows that they objectify him because of his race (to a degree) but won't call them out on that for—well—obvious reasons.
Quote #8
To Lynne, the black people of the South were Art. This she begged forgiveness for and tried to hide, but it was no use. (2.16.3)
If Truman is wondering what his girlfriend really thinks about black people, then he'd better check this one out. Lynne doesn't see black folk as individuals with their own unique beliefs, struggles, strengths, and weaknesses, but as objects. This shows that even the most progressive and good-hearted among us can fall victim to unconscious racism.
Quote #9
It was as if Tommy Odds had spoken the words that fit thoughts he had been too cowardly to entertain. On what other level might Lynne, his wife, be guilty? (2.17.16)
Eventually, Truman and Lynne's relationship deteriorates—as does the relationship between white and black members of the Civil Rights Movement. Is Truman right to think about his own wife in that way? Is he wrong? Although race certainly plays a significant role in their relationship, we think it'd be hard to argue that there wasn't genuine love between these two.