I don't believe in social equality, and they know it.

In this quote, George Smathers, an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Florida, directly states his opposition to social equality, a concept that advocates for equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or social status. By saying "I don't believe in social equality," Smathers expresses a personal and political stance against the idea that society should strive to create equal conditions for all people, particularly in social and economic spheres. This statement reflects his belief in maintaining certain hierarchies or inequalities, which was a common sentiment in certain political circles during his time.

Smathers' remark came during a period when civil rights movements were gaining momentum in the United States, particularly in the mid-20th century. His words can be understood as an explicit rejection of the growing calls for racial equality and the dismantling of institutionalized discrimination, especially against African Americans. In making this statement, Smathers aligns himself with those who opposed measures aimed at desegregation and expanded civil rights, asserting that social hierarchies and inequalities were a natural or necessary part of society.

The phrase "and they know it" indicates that Smathers was addressing an audience who was aware of his position on these matters, implying that his views were well known and likely controversial. It reflects a certain boldness in expressing his ideological beliefs, regardless of their unpopularity in the context of the growing social justice movements of the time. Smathers was a product of an era where political figures often openly opposed civil rights reforms, especially in the Southern U.S.

Ultimately, this quote represents a political stance that rejects the idea of equality and maintains that certain social disparities should be preserved. It highlights the deep divisions in American politics regarding issues of race, class, and equality, and serves as a reminder of the resistance that civil rights activists faced from those who believed in maintaining the status quo.