My character is self-important, poorly informed, well-intentioned but an idiot. So we said, `Let's give him a promotion.'
Stephen ColbertRead
This is a crucial time in the fight for corporate civil rights. Just look at the hateful signs at Occupy Wallstreet: 'Corporations Are Not People!' Wow, I thought we were past the point in this country where some people aren't people just because they have different color skin or different religion or were born in a lawyer's office, only exist on paper, have no soul and can never die.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the notion of corporations having the same rights as individuals while highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil rights among people.
In this quote, Stephen Colbert discusses the contradiction and irony surrounding corporate personhood, particularly in the context of civil rights. He reflects on the hateful sentiments expressed during protests against corporate influence in politics, emphasizing the absurdity of equating corporations—legal entities devoid of human attributes—with real human beings who have historically faced discrimination based on race or religion. By invoking the idea of humanity, Colbert challenges the moral implications of treating corporations as people while many actual individuals continue to be marginalized.
Themes
Corporate RightsCivil RightsDiscriminationOccupy Wall StreetHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a speech about the importance of civil rights and corporate influence in politics.
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