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.