Authority Quote by John Wayne
“I believe in white supremacy, until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don't believe giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people ... I don't feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from [the Native Americans] ... Our so-called stealing of this country from them was just a matter of survival. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 1970s, United States
The speaker claims white supremacy is justified until Black people become "responsible," and rationalizes colonizing Native lands as necessary for survival.
In simple terms: Justifies racism and colonization as temporary measures pending education and survival needs.
Question the moral basis of such claims and recognize inherent equality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Political rhetoric
- educational policy
- land disputes
- indigenous rights
- social engineering
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does education truly affect responsibility?
- Can any group be deemed inherently superior?
The argument ignores systemic oppression and the rights of oppressed groups.