Where Do We Go From Here

Content Warning: This section discusses racism and the history of enslavement in America.

King stresses that white America must assume the responsibility and the “guilt” for the condition of African Americans. From the country’s foundations, white people have been obsessed with race. American democracy is torn between its ideals and its ambivalence toward Black people. In any step toward progress, there are always steps backward, which King describes as “white backlash.” Racism is embedded in American society, but King recognizes that white people have fought for racial justice. Examining racism, King notes that it has historically hinged on the elimination of other people, hence on “genocide.” Racism disregards human life and divides people through the dogma that one race alone can achieve progress. King adds that enslavement was part of the development of America and its economic growth. As an institution, it also shaped the sociopolitical structure of the country, dehumanizing Black people and reinforcing the idea of “white supremacy.” King notes that white supremacy and racist views derive from and were sustained by the aristocracy—such as scientists, academics, and clergymen—and became embedded in the cultural structure, even distorting Christianity.

Exploring the history of enslavement, King notes that all presidents were ambivalent about Black people. While politicians like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln realized the wrong of enslavement, none of them were committed to full equality with Black people, and they were hesitant to abolish the institution. Even after Emancipation, racism persisted and freedom was abstract. To emphasize America’s commitment to racism, King mentions the genocide against Indigenous peoples. The ambivalence between the national ideal of equality and the myth of white people’s superiority still impacted America in the 1960s. King stresses the “gulf” between the passing of civil rights laws and their implementation. White backlash inhibited progress on Black people’s human rights, and America remained ambivalent on racial justice.

King is hopeful that the democratic spirit exists alongside racism. For America to heal and live up to its foundational ideals of equality, white people must acknowledge their culpability. Failure to recognize this truth would lead to “national suicide.” The greatest challenge for white America is to restructure its social and political priorities. King criticizes the country’s fervor in exploring space and funding a costly war while failing to combat “the war on poverty” (90) at home. The civil rights movement has helped Black people find dignity and pride in their race, but they still remain impacted by poverty.

King addresses the role of white liberals. He notes that white liberals are leading the discourse for social change, but they are also standing in the way of progress. They see integration as the participation of Black people in a white power structure. King explains that many liberals still hold racist views, opposing interracial marriage or integrated housing. White liberals remain uncommitted to justice. To counter the liberal idea of equal treatment, King notes that oppressed groups need “special treatment” and that social change cannot occur without conflict. White liberals must dedicate themselves to supporting racial justice.

Returning to the movement’s strategies, King emphasizes that Black people cannot achieve freedom through violence, nor can they achieve it by passively waiting. For King, nonviolent tension is healthy and necessary for progress. He touches on the issue of antisemitism among Northern Black communities to stress that prejudice is “self-destructive.”

King argues that Black people must be the leaders of their community and define their destinies. White liberals must understand their “search for manhood” (98) and play a supportive role for Black people. They must question their position in the civil rights movement and remain helpful throughout the debates. This minority of whites that is dedicated to equality can contribute to the transformation of America.

Ultimately, King addresses the role of the church. While recognizing that there are exceptions, he notes that the church has historically been an accomplice to racism. He condemns its segregated status as “sinful” and immoral because it deprives men of freedom. He urges the church to recognize its responsibility and assume its “spiritual authority.”

For King, freedom is the ability of people to decide their own lives and take responsibility for their decisions. Desegregation is a single step toward the ultimate goal of equality. True “interpersonal living” can only come from people’s hearts, not laws. Empathy is key to social change.