"No white group has founded a major religion on this planet. The major religious were started in the Orient and the Middle East, not in Greece and Rome. I always knew you racists didn't have a prayer"

Jane Elliot’s statement draws attention to the origins of the world’s major religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. All of these began in regions that are typically categorized as the Middle East or Asia, areas historically populated by non-European, non-white peoples. Christianity emerged from the Levant region; Islam originated in Arabia; Judaism traces back to ancient Israel; Hinduism has its roots in northern India; Buddhism began in what is now Nepal and India. In contrast, European civilizations like Greece and Rome, known for their advancements in philosophy, art, and governance, did not give rise to enduring global religions in the same manner.

Elliot’s point suggests a challenge to the notion of white racial superiority, sometimes upheld by racists who claim that Western civilization and the “white race” have contributed more fundamentally or valuably to human culture and spirituality. By pointing out that the belief systems providing spiritual guidance to billions worldwide have non-European origins, she undermines any argument that would tie spiritual leadership or religious innovation to whiteness or white culture. The phrase “you racists didn’t have a prayer” is a play on words with a double meaning: it both highlights the lack of major white-founded religions and serves as a sarcastic rebuke, implying they have no spiritual claim or authority.

In her body of work, Jane Elliot has consistently exposed and criticized the irrational foundations of racism. This statement, true to her approach, uses history to counter racist ideology, demonstrating that achievements fundamental to human society are shared by all peoples and cultures. It encourages reflection on how cultural arrogance can distort our understanding of the global heritage of faith and spirituality, ultimately promoting humility and respect for the diverse roots of spiritual tradition.