Skip to content

Bigotry Quote by Kim R. Holmes

“Double-Standard Bigotry. It is not uncommon within progressive circles to find the assumption that certain kinds of people are less equal than others. White people are assumed to be racist, for example, and they must be watched closely lest they abuse their position of power at the expense of…” quote by Kim R. Holmes
Download Open image
““Double-Standard Bigotry. It is not uncommon within progressive circles to find the assumption that certain kinds of people are less equal than others. White people are assumed to be racist, for example, and they must be watched closely lest they abuse their position of power at the expense of people of color. This viewpoint is so common today that even mainstream liberals like Hillary Clinton buy into it. It is most often true for black-white relations, but the double standard extends into other areas as well. Jews, for example, are often accused of bias on matters in the Middle East, while Arabs and Muslims, occupying the morally advantageous position of victimhood, are not. It is so natural to slice the world into privileged and underprivileged groups that no one longer gives a second thought to the fact that a man would never be invited to lead a woman's organization. By the same token, a black caucus in Congress is welcome but a white caucus would be dismissed out of hand as racist. The double standard is tolerated because it is seen in and of itself as a form of corrective justice. But the fact remains that it is validating a double standard of bigotry, no matter how benign the intentions may be.””

Kim R. Holmes

About This Quote

The passage argues that progressive circles often apply a double standard, assuming some groups are inherently less equal and monitoring them more closely, which creates a new form of bigotry despite claims of corrective justice.

In simple terms: Progressive groups sometimes treat different races or religions unequally, creating new bias.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge double standards wherever they appear.

Themes

bias justice equality politics identity double standard

Mood

critical reflective concerned

Type

analytical political ethical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • media analysis
  • community organizing
  • intergroup relations
  • policy making

Key Concepts

social psychology systemic bias identity politics corrective justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we ensure fairness without creating new biases?
  • What mechanisms can prevent well from becoming another form of oppression?
A Different Perspective

The claim that double standards are “corrective” can ignore the harm they cause to all parties involved.

3.0 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Kim R. Holmes

Explore all 14 Kim R. Holmes quotes

More Bigotry quotes

Browse all 662 Bigotry quotes