In a 1971 Playboy interview John Wayne expressed his views on blacks ("irresponsible") and native Americans ("selfish"). These comments came back to haunt Wayne's legacy when California lawmakers nixed Orange County Assemblyman Matthew Harper's proposal to designate May 26, 2016, as "John Wayne Day." The bill was defeated in a 35-20 vote.
From the Playboy interview:
"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."
…
"Our so-called stealing of this country from [native Americans] was just a matter of survival. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves."
"Opposing the John Wayne Day resolution is like opposing apple pie, fireworks, baseball, the Free Enterprise system and the Fourth of July!" said Harper in a statement.
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