Whiteness stands out in Basquiat because there are no visible people of color in this version of the New York cultural scene. Here is hip white liberal capitalist cool at its best. Coupled with hedonistic lust for pleasure and power, they desire fulfillment by any means necessary. Basquiat's presence, his willingness to do anything for success deflects attention away from their cultural cannibalism. He makes them appear more humane.
Inhumane whiteness is redeemed by irredeemable blackness.
This is especially evident in the cinematic portrayal of Basquiat's love relationship. Gina, his girlfriend, is the white girl cure for every black boy suffering from internalized racism. Beautiful and unconditionally accepting, she is the perfect portrait of Madonna -like innocence. When the little black boy beast is acting out, Gina is charmed. Even though she works for a living, she is attracted by Basquiat's complete lack of concern with money.