In binghamton, new york, winter meant snow, and though I was young when we left, I was able to recall great heaps of it, and use that memory as evidence that North Carolina was, at best, a third-rate institution. What little snow there was would usually melt an hour or two after hitting the ground, and there you'd be in your windbreaker and unconvincing mittens, forming a lumpy figure made mostly of mud. Snow Negroes, we called them. The
In Binghamton, New York, winter was characterized by deep snow, a vivid memory for the narrator despite their young age when they moved. This memory serves as a benchmark to compare their new home in North Carolina, which seemed inadequate in providing a proper winter experience. The narrator describes their disappointment with the little snow that would often disappear quickly, leaving behind muddy remnants.
The term "Snow Negroes" humorously highlights the poor quality of snow in North Carolina, suggesting a nostalgic longing for the winters of their childhood. David Sedaris' reflections in his book "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" encapsulate the contrast between the two regions, revealing a sense of loss and a critical view of their new environment.