Ah the racist playbook. Even in the 1940s.

The “Nobody complained to me!” Method

On October 29, 1948, a representative of Universal wrote to the NAACP. He pointed out that none of the company’s theaters had received complaints concerning the film.

The “If this passes, you’ll never work again!” method

McEvoy offered to let the NAACP contact the West Coast offices of the company, but he warned that in consequence for taking action, “removeds” would be prevented from getting work in the industry.

The “It was just a joke!” Method

McEvoy pointed out that caricatures of Negroes, Jews, Germans, and Irish used to all be top entertainment.