I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally.

In this quote, W. C. Fields, a famous American comedian and actor, humorously presents a paradoxical statement about prejudices and hatred. By claiming that he is "free of all prejudices," Fields initially sets up the expectation that he holds no biased or discriminatory views. However, he immediately contradicts this by stating, "I hate everyone equally," suggesting that his lack of prejudice is actually rooted in an equally distributed hatred toward all people, regardless of race, background, or identity.

The humor in Fields' quote lies in the irony of the statement. While prejudice typically refers to unfair judgments against certain groups, Fields twists this concept by suggesting that his lack of bias manifests as a form of generalized disdain for everyone. This is a classic example of Fields' comedic style, which often relied on sarcasm, absurdity, and dark humor. Rather than promoting tolerance or goodwill, the quote turns the usual idea of overcoming prejudice on its head.

By claiming to "hate everyone equally," Fields is also mocking the idea of moral superiority or social justice. He exaggerates the idea of treating everyone the same by applying it to something as negative and extreme as hatred. The quote can be seen as a satirical commentary on human nature and society, where instead of recognizing and celebrating individual differences, he cynically observes that people often share a common, negative trait—prejudice or resentment.

Ultimately, Fields’ quote serves as a tongue-in-cheek reflection on human attitudes, using humor to expose the absurdity of prejudice and the human tendency to generalize or categorize others. While not meant to be taken seriously, the quote offers insight into Fields' style of comedy and his ability to use irony to provoke thought about societal issues in an unconventional way.