Skip to content

That one over this is the one for the use of the white…

“That one over this is the one for the use of the white people,” Judge Amistead Jones said. “Not that I am a stickler about such matters, but if there are to be different Bibles kept for the races, then you must not get them mixed that way. Have a different place for them, and keep them there. Then…” quote by Isabel Wilkerson
Download Open image
““That one over this is the one for the use of the white people,” Judge Amistead Jones said. “Not that I am a stickler about such matters, but if there are to be different Bibles kept for the races, then you must not get them mixed that way. Have a different place for them, and keep them there. Then such mistakes as this will not be made.” Also practiced in Atlanta, and thus likely elsewhere in the South, as described by Baker in Following the Color Line, p. 36. GEORGE””

Isabel Wilkerson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A judge rationalizes segregation by treating religious texts as race‑specific, exposing how institutional bias can be cloaked in procedural logic.

In simple terms: Institutional bias can be justified through bureaucratic language.

Key Takeaway

Legal reasoning may mask underlying racism.

Themes

segregation institutional racism legal rationalization racial hierarchy

Mood

critical somber analytical

Type

historical quote legal observation

When to use this quote

  • discussing historical segregation policies
  • analyzing courtroom language
  • teaching a class on civil rights

Key Concepts

judicial authority religious segregation

Practical Applications

  • examining how law can enforce social divisions
  • highlighting the need for equitable policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the dangers of framing social divisions as logistical issues?
  • How can legal language be reformed to prevent hidden bias?
A Different Perspective

Such segregation undermines universal human rights and equality before the law.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Isabel Wilkerson

Explore all 63 Isabel Wilkerson quotes

More Bibles quotes

Browse all 54 Bibles quotes