The Internet is responding to John Wayne’s comments on race and sexuality from a 1971 Playboy Interview

While we’re not entirely certain why it is trending today, the Internet is responding to John Wayne’s comments on race and sexuality from a popular 1971 interview for Playboy.

Here’s a little history, brought to you by Public Enemy’s legendary Chuck D and our friends over at Genius: 

Public Enemy “Fight the Power” (1990)

Elvis was a hero to most
But he never meant shit to me you see
Straight up racist that sucker was
Simple and plain
Mother f*ck him and John Wayne

John Wayne was a vocal conservative for most of his life. He supported the notorious House Un-American Activities Committee and the rabidly Anti-Communist John Birch Society. In addition, he used his star power to make pro-war films such as The Green Berets

In a interview published in the May 1971 issue of Playboy magazine, John Wayne said:

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.

Motherf*ck him, indeed.