In "The Sellout," Paul Beatty explores the effects of stress on the mind, suggesting that overwhelming pressure can lead to a complete shutdown of cognitive functions. This mental exhaustion results in a state where individuals may continue to act, but without full awareness or control over their actions. This phenomenon highlights how stress can create a disconnect between an individual's consciousness and their responses, leading to an automatic, almost robotic behavior.

The author illustrates a broader commentary on societal pressures, suggesting that when people are bombarded with stressors, their ability to think critically and engage deeply diminishes. Beatty's work serves as a reflection on how external stressors can manipulate our behavior, ultimately leaving us in a state of confusion and disconnection from our true selves.