You know, I always say white is not a colour, white is an attitude, and if you haven't got trillions of dollars in the bank that you don't need, you can't be white.

The quote "You know, I always say white is not a colour, white is an attitude, and if you haven't got trillions of dollars in the bank that you don't need, you can't be white." by Dick Gregory offers a sharp and provocative critique of racial privilege and economic inequality. Gregory, a comedian, civil rights activist, and social critic, challenges the traditional notion of whiteness as merely a racial category. Instead, he redefines "white" as an attitude linked to wealth, power, and unearned economic advantage. His statement suggests that being "white" in society often means having access to vast resources and systemic privileges.

By saying that without "trillions of dollars in the bank" one cannot truly be white, Gregory points to the deep connection between race and economic status. This highlights how systemic racial inequality often manifests as economic disparity, where whiteness is associated with economic dominance and social advantages. His message critiques the myth of racial identity based solely on biology, instead framing it as intertwined with material wealth and social power.

This quote originates from Gregory’s broader work as a social commentator and activist during the civil rights movement and beyond. Known for using humor and biting insight to expose racial and social injustices, Gregory often addressed the intersections of race, class, and power. His redefinition of whiteness challenges audiences to reconsider how privilege operates in American society, urging deeper reflection on economic structures.

Ultimately, Gregory’s words serve as a powerful reminder that attitudes, identity, and privilege are complex and often connected to systemic inequalities. His quote invites a critical examination of how race and wealth shape social dynamics and challenges the listener to recognize that true equality involves addressing both cultural attitudes and economic realities.