Racist statements mean no Wayne Day
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — What a California lawmaker intended as a benign resolution honoring a late movie icon exploded into an emotional debate over decades-old racist comments Thursday.
The state Assembly defeated the official ode to John Wayne after several legislators described statements he made about racial minorities and his support for the anti-communist House Un-American Activities Committee and John Birch Society.
Known as “Duke,” a nickname he picked up as a boy, Wayne grew into the star of movies including “The Alamo,” “The Green Beret,” and “True Grit,” while portraying the gruff, rugged cowboys and brave soldiers who were his stock in trade.
Republican Assemblyman Matthew Harper sought to declare May 26, 2016, as John Wayne Day to mark the actor’s birthday.
“He had disturbing views towards race,” objected Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Watsonville.
Alejo cited a 1971 interview with Playboy in which Wayne talked disparagingly about blacks.
“I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people,” he told the magazine. Wayne is the latest deceased white icon to come under attack. Andrew Jackson, a slave owner and Indian fighter, is being removed from the face of the $20 bill.
