In "The Sellout" by Paul Beatty, the author explores the struggles of being lower-middle-class and a person of color within a society that seems to favor the wealthy, particularly white individuals and celebrities. This commentary highlights the disparities in protection and privilege that exist along racial and economic lines, illustrating a sense of frustration and injustice felt by those who do not belong to these elite categories.

Beatty's work reflects on the broader themes of systemic racism and class inequality, emphasizing how marginalized groups often find themselves overlooked by institutions that should safeguard them. Through humor and satire, he critiques society's inequities, prompting readers to examine the cultural and societal norms that perpetuate these divisions.