'I've got black friends, I employ black people. I don't employ them because they are black; I employ them because they're the best people who applied for the cotton-picking job.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote attempts a sarcastic justification for hiring black workers, implying they are the best for a low‑status job.
- In plain terms
- I hire black people because they're the best for this job, not because of race.
- What can you take from it?
- Racial stereotyping can mask discriminatory attitudes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does sarcasm affect perceptions of bias?
- What steps can reduce racial stereotypes in hiring?
Another view
It reinforces harmful stereotypes under the guise of merit.
More from Evan Mecham
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