Our Struggle Summary and Analysis

Discrimination, which thrives on a belief of inferiority, caused the segregation of the Negro. White people settled their moral dilemma by rationalizing that the Negro is "less than human" (p. 75), deserving the status of second-class citizenship. They persuaded themselves, and convinced many Negroes that he was incapable of success, and would be happier if he did not try. The whites of the south forgot that they had developed this social caste system and culture, and believed the lie.

The Montgomery boycott surprised many Negroes. The boycott broke down stereotypes held by both the Negro and the white. People across the country began to be "proud to be Negro" (p. 77). Dr. King and his associates discovered an economic power essential to nonviolent protests. The method of fighting for social change became a powerful weapon. They sought to find justice in...