To become a celebrity is to become a brand name. There is Ivory Soap, Rice Krispies, and Philip Roth. Ivory is the soap that floats; Rice Krispies the breakfast cereal that goes snap-crackle-pop; Philip Roth the Jew who masturbates with a piece of liver.

Summary

This quote by Philip Roth reflects on the idea that being a celebrity means becoming a recognizable and marketable brand. Just as certain products like Ivory Soap and Rice Krispies have distinctive selling points, celebrities like Philip Roth are known for specific aspects of their identity or work. In this case, Roth humorously portrays himself as the "Jew who masturbates with a piece of liver," highlighting the sometimes controversial or provocative nature of being a well-known personality. Overall, the quote underscores the notion of celebrities being associated with particular traits or actions that contribute to their public image.

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