The 2004 Tony Award winning Broadway show called Avenue Q addresses a number of social problems in a unique manner. Set in a low rent area in New York City one of those issues is racism.
Today I’m sharing snip-its from the lyrics of the song Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist from Avenue Q because they offer some provocative thoughts on this thorny topic.
Apologies to my Polish listeners because the word Polack is in the lyrics to make a point. It’s effective, but not very respectful.
The main character in Avenue Q is Princeton who says:
All right, stop me if you’ve heard this one.
There’s a plane going down and there’s only one parachute.
And there’s a rabbi, a priest…
KATE interrupts: … and a BLACK guy!
Then GARY COLEMAN enters, yes that Gary Coleman, the one from the TV show Different Strokes. He’s the Superintendent on Avenue Q and he says:
Whatchoo talkin’ about Kate?
KATE stutters Uhh —
GARY COLEMAN says: You were telling a BLACK joke!
To which PRINCETON responds: Well, sure, Gary, but lots of people tell black jokes…
GARY COLEMAN says: I don’t.
Then PRINCETON says: Well, of course you don’t — you’re black!
But I bet you tell Polack jokes, right?
GARY COLEMAN says: Well, sure I do. Those stupid Polacks!
PRINCETON questions him with: Don’t you think that’s a little racist?
KATE adds: You’re a little bit racist.
GARY COLEMAN counters:
Well, you’re a little bit, too.
Then PRINCETON says:
We’re all a little bit racist.
and GARY COLEMAN says:
I think that I would have to agree with you.
PRINCETON & KATE say: We’re glad you do.
To which GARY COLEMAN says:
It’s sad, but true!
Everyone’s a little bit racist — all right!
Bigotry has never been exclusively white —
Then all Three conclude:
If we all could Just admit That we are racist A little bit,
Even though we all Know that it’s wrong,
Maybe it would help Us get along!
That’s a strong message and here’s one last verse to ponder.
Everyone’s a little bit racist, sometimes.
Doesn’t mean we go around committing hate crimes.
Look around and you will find, No one is really color blind.
Maybe it’s a fact we should face.
Everyone makes judgments based on race.
Avenue Q exposes a number of social issues. You can Google it and read the lyrics or go see the show off Broadway.
Hopefully my visit today to Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist has given you Something to Think About! I’m Steve Sauder.
