Meaning: This quote by Tom Lehrer reflects on the paradoxical nature of the American ideal as embodied by the Army. It humorously highlights the contradiction in the Army's approach to discrimination, pointing out that while they prohibit discrimination based on race, creed, and color, they also extend this prohibition to encompass discrimination based on ability.

Tom Lehrer, a musician, songwriter, and satirist known for his witty and often politically charged lyrics, uses this quote to shed light on the complexities and contradictions within American society. Through his clever wordplay, Lehrer draws attention to the sometimes absurd and contradictory nature of social and institutional policies.

The quote can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it points out the irony of a system that, while striving to uphold the American ideal of equality and non-discrimination, inadvertently creates new forms of exclusion and marginalization. By extending the prohibition on discrimination to include ability, the Army inadvertently highlights the inherent biases and limitations within the concept of equality, raising questions about the true extent of inclusivity and fairness within the system.

Furthermore, the quote can also be seen as a commentary on the broader societal attitudes towards ability and disability. While the Army's stance may be intended to promote a more inclusive and accommodating environment for individuals with disabilities, Lehrer's words suggest that this approach may inadvertently perpetuate the very discrimination it seeks to eliminate. By emphasizing the absurdity of extending non-discrimination to include ability, Lehrer challenges the notion of equality as a straightforward and universally applicable concept.

In a broader context, the quote invites reflection on the complexities of addressing discrimination and inequality. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of equality is not always straightforward, and that efforts to address one form of discrimination may inadvertently create new forms of exclusion. It also highlights the need for a nuanced and multi-faceted approach to addressing inequality, one that takes into account the intersecting factors of race, ability, gender, and other social identities.

Overall, Tom Lehrer's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of discrimination and equality within American society. Through his clever wordplay and satirical wit, Lehrer challenges the notion of the American ideal as a straightforward and universally applicable concept, inviting reflection on the inherent contradictions and complexities within the pursuit of equality.