Meaning: This quote by Richard Pryor, a renowned American actor, comedian, and social critic, touches on the issue of racism and societal hypocrisy. It highlights the idea that although overt expressions of racism may have become less prevalent in some contexts, they still exist in subtler, more insidious forms. Pryor's observation prompts a reflection on the complexities of racism, the ways in which it manifests, and the challenges in addressing it.

Pryor's reference to "a lot more hypocrisy than before" suggests that while society may outwardly claim to be more tolerant and inclusive, there are underlying contradictions and insincerities in the way people and institutions address issues of racism. This sentiment aligns with the concept of "color-blind racism," which refers to the tendency for individuals to deny or downplay the significance of race in contemporary society while still perpetuating racial inequalities and biases. It also speaks to the phenomenon of performative allyship, in which individuals or organizations make symbolic gestures of support for marginalized groups without enacting meaningful change or addressing systemic issues.

Furthermore, Pryor's assertion that "racism has gone back underground" implies that overt displays of racism have become less socially acceptable, leading to a shift in the way racism is expressed. This idea aligns with the concept of modern racism, which encompasses more subtle, covert, and institutionalized forms of racial discrimination. Rather than being openly espoused, racist attitudes and behaviors may be concealed or embedded within social structures, making them harder to identify and address.

Pryor's perspective on racism and hypocrisy resonates with ongoing discussions about the persistence of racial inequality and discrimination in contemporary society. It suggests that despite efforts to combat racism, there are still deep-seated issues that need to be confronted. This quote invites us to consider the ways in which racism operates beyond explicit acts of discrimination, acknowledging the need to address underlying biases, systemic inequalities, and the impact of historical injustices.

In the context of social and political developments, Pryor's quote may also be seen as a commentary on the shifting dynamics of racial discourse. As public attitudes and policies around race evolve, there is a tendency for some forms of racism to become less overt while remaining pervasive in more subtle ways. This can create challenges in addressing and eradicating racism, as it requires a deeper understanding of the multifaceted ways in which it operates.

To fully comprehend the significance of Pryor's quote, it is important to consider his own experiences and contributions to discussions about race and social justice. Throughout his career, Pryor was known for using his platform to confront issues of race, discrimination, and societal hypocrisy through his comedy and social commentary. He fearlessly tackled controversial topics and challenged prevailing norms, making him a trailblazer in addressing racial issues through entertainment.

In conclusion, Richard Pryor's quote provides a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring presence of racism and the complexities of addressing it in contemporary society. It calls attention to the subtler, more insidious manifestations of racism and the need to confront the underlying hypocrisies that perpetuate racial inequality. By reflecting on Pryor's words, we are reminded of the ongoing importance of recognizing, acknowledging, and actively challenging all forms of racism in our pursuit of a more just and equitable society.