I remember when I first saw Whoopi Goldberg doing standup, and she was wearing a sheet on her head, basically pretending to be this little white girl with long luxurious blonde hair. Everyone can relate to that. It's an oral history of black women's lives through laughter.

Mickalene Thomas’s quote, "I remember when I first saw Whoopi Goldberg doing standup, and she was wearing a sheet on her head, basically pretending to be this little white girl with long luxurious blonde hair. Everyone can relate to that," reflects her admiration for Whoopi Goldberg's ability to use humor and cultural commentary in standup comedy. The reference to Goldberg wearing a sheet and pretending to be a white girl with long blonde hair underscores the powerful way comedy can address issues of identity, race, and self-perception. Thomas highlights how Goldberg's use of humor in this performance allows audiences from diverse backgrounds to engage with and reflect on cultural norms.

The phrase "It's an oral history of black women's lives through laughter" emphasizes the significance of laughter in telling the stories of black women. Thomas suggests that comedy, particularly standup performances like Goldberg's, can serve as a means of documenting and sharing experiences that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Oral history is a tradition of passing down stories and experiences verbally, and through laughter, Goldberg was able to share the complexity of black women's lives in a way that resonates with others, creating a space for both reflection and connection.

The origin of the quote is rooted in Thomas’s own perspective as an artist who explores themes of identity, race, and femininity in her work. Known for her vibrant and provocative art, Thomas often engages with cultural icons like Whoopi Goldberg and uses her art to reflect on the experiences of black women. Her appreciation for Goldberg's work in standup reflects the power of humor and performance as a tool for social commentary.

This quote underscores the cultural significance of comedy and performance in shaping the narrative around black women's experiences. By drawing attention to Goldberg's standup, Thomas acknowledges how comedy can act as a vehicle for both personal and collective storytelling, allowing marginalized voices to be heard through laughter and humor. It speaks to the universality and power of humor as a medium for discussing complex social and racial issues.