Soft bigotry of low expectations

In political communication, the "soft bigotry of low expectations" is an expression describing the practice of holding lower expectations for individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other forms of disadvantage. It is most commonly used in discussions of education, public policy and civil rights. The phrase was popularized by George W. Bush during his presidential campaign and is generally credited to his chief speechwriter, Michael Gerson.

The phrase refers to the belief that lowering expectations for individuals or groups because of characteristics such as race, ethnicity, poverty, disability or other forms of disadvantage constitutes a subtle form of prejudice. It argues that applying lower standards out of sympathy, paternalism, or assumptions about capability can deny individuals equal opportunity by reinforcing stereotypes and limiting achievement. The expression is most commonly applied in education, where it refers to teachers, administrators, or policymakers holding lower academic expectations for certain groups and adjusting standards or outcomes accordingly.

Origins

The expression entered American political discourse during George W. Bush's 2000 United States presidential election. The phrase was coined by Bush's chief speechwriter, Michael Gerson, and popularized by Bush during his first presidential campaign. The phrase referred to the belief that expecting less of individuals because of their race or background is a subtle but harmful form of prejudice. In September 1999, then Texas Governor Bush used the phrase in a speech to the Latin Business Association, arguing that all children were capable of learning regardless of their family background or socioeconomic circumstances.