Colored People's Time
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2009) |
Colored People's Time, CP Time, or CPT, is an American expression referring to a stereotype of African Americans or Latinos as frequently being late. It is an inside joke, in that both groups use the term themselves, making light of when they're late, or being known for being late for appointments.
[edit] In media
The phrase has been referenced numerous times in various types of media, including the film Undercover Brother and the television series' The Boondocks, The Wire, Reno 911, 30 Rock, Everybody Hates Chris, Bridezillas, Mad TV and Cedric the Entertainer Presents. There was also a 1960s public interest program produced by Detroit Public Television with the name "Colored People's Time", as well as a 1980s play written by Leslie Lee which consisted of 13 vignettes of African American history from the Civil War through the Montgomery bus riots. (ISBN 0-573-61894-1)
[edit] In literature
The phrase may be found in the following literary texts:
- Langston Hughes's poem "Dancer" in Montage of a Dream Deferred: "Even a great dancer can't C.P.T. a show."
- Toni Morrison's novel Jazz: "CPT! Surprise me for once, Joe Trace." - Sheila says, commenting on Joe's late arrival.
[edit] Similar expressions
- CPT is similar to Indian Standard Time, a similar inside joke which arose separately among South Asian American immigrants, referring to Indian immigrants as always delayed a few hours in all endeavors (not to be confused with the actual Indian Standard Time).
- The phrase also crops up in other social groups, in the form of "Mormon Standard Time" and "Jewish Standard Time."
- It is also similar to African time, which is widely used in Africa to denote a more relaxed outlook on time.
