More than 150 heads of state attended the UN Summit, giving New Yorkers a chance to get in touch with prejudices they didn't even know they had.

The quote "More than 150 heads of state attended the UN Summit, giving New Yorkers a chance to get in touch with prejudices they didn't even know they had." by Jon Stewart blends political commentary with satire. Stewart is referring to the United Nations Summit, a global gathering of world leaders, while humorously suggesting that such an event inevitably exposes biases and stereotypes—even among those who may not think they harbor them. His comedic framing invites reflection on how people react to other cultures, appearances, and behaviors when suddenly confronted with extreme diversity.

The meaning lies in the interplay between international diplomacy and human nature. Hosting over 150 heads of state in one city, especially a culturally dense place like New York, creates an unusual social and political atmosphere. Stewart’s joke implies that despite living in a diverse city, even seasoned New Yorkers might find themselves making snap judgments or feeling discomfort when faced with a truly global spectrum of people, customs, and political histories. The humor works because it taps into a universal truth: we all carry unconscious biases.

The origin of this statement comes from Stewart’s role as host of The Daily Show, where he often used wit and irony to address serious political events and social issues. The UN Summit in question likely refers to one of the major annual gatherings in New York, where leaders from across the globe converge to discuss pressing international matters. Stewart’s comedic style turned this high-level diplomatic event into a moment for self-awareness among ordinary citizens.

Ultimately, the quote is both a joke and a social observation. While it draws laughs, it also nudges the audience to examine their own prejudices and recognize that exposure to difference—whether through global politics or everyday encounters—is a chance to become more self-aware, tolerant, and open-minded.