Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sparked controversy during a recent interview when he likened Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to a character from Quentin Tarantino’s film “Django Unchained.” The movie character is infamous for his servility to the film’s villain, Calvin Candie, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio.
In a conversation with the Michigan Chronicle based in Detroit, Ellison was asked to comment on Thomas’s stand on affirmative action. Justice Thomas, who is the second African American to serve on the Supreme Court, was part of the 6-3 majority ruling last June which banned racial factors in college admissions. In his opinion, Thomas asserted that individuals should be evaluated based on their unique experiences, obstacles overcome, and achievements.
Ellison suggested that Thomas’s ruling aligned him with the character “Stephen,” a sadistic figure in “Django Unchained,” who remains unyieldingly faithful to his master. Ellison stated that this character embodies Thomas, as the Justice seems to consistently favor powerful entities and vested interests, seemingly oblivious to the potential harm to others.
According to Ellison, Justice Thomas prioritizes his interests above all else. He alleges that Thomas, despite his Supreme Court position which necessitates advocating for others, seems indifferent to this responsibility and is mainly focused on self-interest. Ellison criticized Thomas for his alleged abandonment of his duties, suggesting that this behavior was evident from his initial days in office and may have even intensified over time.
Ellison also suggested that Thomas’ place on the Supreme Court is “unjustified,” advocating for his impeachment. He further argued that Thomas’ role on the bench has no credible foundation. He sought to impart a lesson to the African American community, highlighting that despite Thomas’ upbringing in the racially charged environment of the Deep South and his firsthand experience with racism, segregation, and affirmative action, he hasn’t aligned with their expectations.
Ellison concluded his argument by emphasizing that the crux of the matter isn’t skin color but mindset.
