Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Eddie Izzard, a British comedian known for his clever and thought-provoking humor. In this quote, Izzard is pointing out the irony and hypocrisy in the way society reacts to lies and deceit. He juxtaposes the historical deception perpetrated by the American government against Native Americans with the public's reaction to President Bill Clinton's extramarital affair. Izzard's tone suggests a sense of incredulity and cynicism as he highlights the perceived naivety of the public's surprise at Clinton's deceit, given the long history of dishonesty and betrayal by those in power.

The first part of the quote, "So the American government lied to the Native Americans for many, many years," refers to the well-documented history of broken treaties, forced relocations, and other injustices inflicted upon Native American tribes by the United States government. From the signing of treaties that were later disregarded to the violent displacement of indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands, the history of the U.S. government's mistreatment and deception of Native Americans is a dark and painful chapter in American history. This part of the quote serves to remind the audience of the deep-seated systemic injustices perpetrated against Native Americans, which contrasts starkly with the public's reaction to more recent political scandals.

The second part of the quote, "and then President Clinton lied about a relationship, and everyone was surprised! A little naive, I feel!" refers to the Monica Lewinsky scandal that rocked the Clinton administration in the late 1990s. When news broke of President Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, it sparked a national scandal and led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives. Izzard's commentary on the public's reaction to this scandal is one of skepticism and critique. He seems to be suggesting that the public's surprise at Clinton's deception is unwarranted, given the long history of dishonesty and betrayal by those in power, particularly in the context of the government's treatment of Native Americans.

By juxtaposing these two instances of deceit – the historical mistreatment of Native Americans and the contemporary political scandal – Izzard draws attention to the paradoxical nature of public perception and societal expectations regarding honesty and integrity. His use of humor and irony serves as a vehicle to provoke critical reflection on the selective outrage and collective surprise that often accompany public revelations of deception within the political sphere.

In essence, Izzard's quote serves as a commentary on the complex and often contradictory ways in which society responds to instances of dishonesty and betrayal, particularly when they involve figures of authority and power. It prompts the audience to consider the broader historical and cultural context in which such events occur, and to question the underlying assumptions and biases that shape public reactions to political scandals. Izzard's astute observation invites us to confront the uncomfortable truths about societal attitudes towards deceit and the inherent complexities of truth and trust within the political and social fabric.

In conclusion, Eddie Izzard's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking commentary on the multifaceted nature of public perception and societal response to deception, drawing attention to the historical injustices suffered by Native Americans and the contrasting reactions to contemporary political scandals. Through his wry humor and incisive critique, Izzard challenges the audience to reconsider their assumptions about honesty, power, and the complexities of truth in the public sphere.