In the context of the quote, Sotomayer is speaking to the struggle for diversity and the representation of latina women on the bench - compared to the all-white male representation that has been the dominanting force since America began. I have NO IDEA how people read it as racist, AT ALL, because it simply speaks to the idea that Latina women bring a perspective that cannot be conceived by the traditional judges, and she appears to be doing in the context of discussing historical cases regarding sexual and racial discrimination. Why is it horrible for her to say that a Latina woman might have a better understanding of the issues of racism and sexism than a white male that hasn't live that experience? It only makes sense to me. And if I believe, that, as a white female, what does that make me? Sexist towards males? A hater of my own race? I don't think so.

I think she has the equipment to talk about it, the perspective... and the intellect/credentials. I think the fact that people are saying that she's only up there for the sake of diversity are ignoring her credentials. Is it that... as a woman, she can never be smart enough on her own, so she's only there for the sake of diversity? I don't think so. Sotomayer has worked to get where she is in life. There are plenty of people who are likely equally qualified for the position. If the matter of diversity pushes her forward a little, I see it as a good thing - because otherwise we add no new perspectives to the bench, we add no true voices --- even if we don't like what they are saying to us.