In Sag Harbor, Colson Whitehead presents nostalgic vignettes of 15-year-old Benji spending the summer of 1985 in Sag, a historic African American enclave on Long Island, New York. Throughout the novel, Benji undergoes many personal firsts, including his first job and first memorable kiss. In the chapter “Breathing Tips of Great American Beatboxers,” Benji and his friends enter a club for the first time to watch UTFO (Untouchable Force Organization), a hip-hop group that embodies goofball personas, perseverance, and teenage striving, perform. Through his club experience, Benji discovers that he can truly enjoy himself when he feels no pressure to fit in.
When Clive, in “The Heyday of Dag” chapter, asks Benji, “‘Aren’t you hot in that shirt, man?’” Benji discovers that he is the only one wearing black at the beach and immediately wonders if “there was something to it” (Whitehead 70). By drawing attention to the way Benji conducts himself, such remarks have made him highly self-conscious in how he presents himself. However, while observing the other partygoers, Benji learns that the club offers freedom and anonymity. He reflects, “No one looked at me, I was one of them on the dance floor, and they were one of me” (Whitehead 262). Thus, in that space, shame becomes unimportant.
As the night continues, Benji gains confidence and begins to enjoy himself without fear of judgment. The music seems to “rewire” him emotionally, helping him let go of his insecurities (Whitehead 262). As he settles into the experience, Benji notices that everyone has gathered for the same purpose: to enjoy the music, dance, and feel connected. He appreciates that there are “no qualifiers” (Whitehead 263). Through this moment, Whitehead shows how the club becomes a free space where Benji can feel accepted without needing to prove anything.
When Clive, in “The Heyday of Dag” chapter, asks Benji, “‘Aren’t you hot in that shirt, man?’” Benji discovers that he is the only one wearing black at the beach and immediately wonders if “there was something to it” (Whitehead 70). By drawing attention to the way Benji conducts himself, such remarks have made him highly self-conscious in how he presents himself. However, while observing the other partygoers, Benji learns that the club offers freedom and anonymity. He reflects, “No one looked at me, I was one of them on the dance floor, and they were one of me” (Whitehead 262). Thus, in that space, shame becomes unimportant.
As the night continues, Benji gains confidence and begins to enjoy himself without fear of judgment. The music seems to “rewire” him emotionally, helping him let go of his insecurities (Whitehead 262). As he settles into the experience, Benji notices that everyone has gathered for the same purpose: to enjoy the music, dance, and feel connected. He appreciates that there are “no qualifiers” (Whitehead 263). Through this moment, Whitehead shows how the club becomes a free space where Benji can feel accepted without needing to prove anything.
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