Jane Elliott Speech Transcript on Race, Being Black in America

Jane Elliott Speech Transcript on Race, Being Black in America

Jane Elliott gave a speech to a group of mostly white audience members in which she asked a simple but important question about race.

Close up of Jane Elliott mid speech.
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Under Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Jane Elliott: (00:01)

I want every white person in this room who would be happy to be treated as this society in general treats our citizens, our black citizens, if you, as a white person, would be happy to receive the same treatment that our black citizens do in this society, please stand.

Audience: (00:17)

(silence)

Jane Elliott: (00:18)

You didn't understand the directions. If you white folks want to be treated the way blacks are in this society, stand.

Audience: (00:29)

(silence)

Jane Elliott: (00:29)

Nobody's standing here. That says very plainly that you know what's happening, you know you don't want it for you. I want to know why you're so willing to accept it or to allow it to happen for others.

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