Original artwork, not a still
Abraham Lincoln once said that “If you’re a racist, I will attack you with the North,” and those are the principles that I carry with me in the workplace.
— The Office (U.S.) • 2005
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Michael has the structure of an inspirational quote and none of the facts: Lincoln did not say it, and the phrase falls apart the moment it is spoken, which is the joke. It captures the show's engine: a boss who confuses sounding wise with being wise. Lincoln's name does the work, so fans use the line as the standard fake-quote punchline.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Office (U.S.)Show the scene
In 'Diversity Day' (season 1, episode 2, 29 March 2005), a corporate complaint about Michael's impression of Chris Rock forces him to hold a mandatory diversity session for the Scranton staff. Michael shows a video announcing his new initiative, Diversity Tomorrow, and hands out index cards to tape on foreheads. In a talking head, Michael cites Abraham Lincoln as the source of the principles he carries into the workplace, a made-up quotation that ends with attacking racists with the North. The episode was written by B. J. Novak, directed by Ken Kwapis, and Larry Wilmore guest-starred as Mr. Brown.
Sources (3)
- Wikipedia: Diversity Day (The Office)Lead and infoboxReference checked
- The Office Wiki: Diversity DaySummary and triviaReference checked
- The Office Wiki: Diversity Day QuotesMichael talking headReference checked
Context reviewed
