In a Washington Post opinion article by Bill Moyers from 1988, he reflects on a powerful statement made by Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1960. Johnson pointed out that by convincing the least privileged White individuals that they are superior to the most accomplished people of color, those in power can distract them from their economic struggles. This manipulation keeps them from realizing they are actually being exploited.

This timeless observation highlights how societal divisions can be exploited for political gain. In her book "Under Fire: Reporting from the Front Lines of the Trump White House," April Ryan reinforces this idea, illustrating how such tactics are still prevalent in modern politics, where leaders often use division to divert attention from their agendas and maintain control.