"I am sorry to have to say to you that most white Americans are racist, either consciously or unconsciously."
2007-03-10 05:11:05 · 12 answers · asked by job_32787 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
He said this to his staff as they prepared for the Second March on Washington.
Check out the book entitled "Martin & Malcolm & America A Dream or a Nightmare" by James H. Cone
2007-03-10 05:20:34 · update #1
Keep in mind the context
2007-03-10 05:23:41 · update #2
At the time, it was accurate. I'd say anyone who suggests otherwise would have a tough time proving it. It was a time of rampant racism.
2007-03-10 05:13:39 · answer #1 · answered by ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT•• 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is racist, either consciously or unconsciously.... what else is new... the civilized mind tries to compensate and overcome... that is what must be controlled to maintain a civilized society... in the US some of the worst racists are Black... and there is not a race that dose not have those in it who can not control the baser instincts...
2007-03-10 13:22:56 · answer #2 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did not know MLK made this statement, so without knowing anymore than what you have posted, I will say that everyone is prejudiced to some degree. I guess I would disagree that most white or black Americans are racist, but do think we all hold some form of prejudice, which most of us attempt to eliminate.
2007-03-10 16:04:08 · answer #3 · answered by clwkcmo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's probably one of the most ignorant statements that he made. How the hell could he, or anyone for that matter, know that to be true?? I think EVERYONE, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic....have stereotypes. And MOST races live up to their stereotype to a tee. Now, for him to call out WHITE Americans is wrong....because racism does NOT only exist amongst white Americans. It exists in ALL races....And happens AGAINST ALL Americans. Black people are NOT the only race who can and have experienced racism....
2007-03-10 13:19:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of that quote before, but I don't agree with it. I think it's human nature to be a little judgmental, consciously or unconsciously. This includes all races.
2007-03-10 13:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by Persephone 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
At the time he said it, he was certainly correct.
And he is probably still correct.
The trouble is, most ***** Americans are also racist.
If we're lucky, we move from malevolent racism to
benevolent racism to non racism. Right now, we're
still foundering between malevolent and benevolent.
Skin color is such an easy way of distinguishing
between groups of people - and people are lazy.
2007-03-10 13:15:55 · answer #6 · answered by Elana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a good desciption of 1960's America.
2007-03-10 13:14:24 · answer #7 · answered by beeze 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to have to say this but I find it true whether they are openly racist or even if not you might catch someone making a comment that is racist even if they don't realize it themselves
2007-03-10 13:15:31 · answer #8 · answered by getemgirl2105 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think its probably true, especially at the time when King was alive. Its almost impossible to grow up without preconcieved ideas about people, races, nationalities, ect. Hopefully we do all we can to overcome it.
2007-03-10 13:14:37 · answer #9 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
who is MLK ?
i wouldn't say most are racist..but it's a big portion that are. i'm black and i used to live in athens, illinois and they were verry racist.
im not trying to stereotype..
..some people can't help it. their great great great [and so on] grandma's and grandpa's probably were and/or owned slaves so they can't help it.
but i do have white friends who aren't.
so i would sorta disagree.
2007-03-10 13:15:42 · answer #10 · answered by MiiKEY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋