Here is the exact quote from Judge Sotomayor:
"I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion (as a judge) than a white male who hasn't lived that life."
The controversial word is "better". But taken as is, was Judge Sotomayor saying that she or any latina woman is better than all white people? No, taken literally she refer to "white male" which means, again if taken literally that "white female" were equally "better."
But again, if taken literally , she did not say all or every latina woman but a "wise latina" woman. Now here is the crust of the matter that every one is overlooking. Take this phrase into consideration: "better conclusion (as a judge) than a white male who hasn't lived that life." What kind of life was the judge talking about? She was refering to the richness and experience of her background as a wise latina woman. She was refering to her rich background and experience as a woman from humble beginning to judgeship, her long experience in the judical system.
Her richness and experience is unique because it is not all and every latina woman who possesses that richness and background. But equally she was not saying that she was better than all white men. She said "white male who hasn't lived that life." So in essence she recognized that "white male" who "lived that life" was equally able to make "better" decisions.
The judge did not make a RACIST STATEMENT and she is not a RACIST.
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