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Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XI. An American Dilemma - 45. America Again at the Crossroads in the Negro Problem - 9. Making the Peace - 10. America’s Opportunity
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Chapter 45. America Again at the Crossroads 1021
tinue to publicize it itself. For the colored peoples all over the world,
whose rising influence is axiomatic, this scandal is salt in their wounds. In
all white nations which, because of the accident of ethnic homogeneity or
for other causes, have not been inculcated with race prejudice, the color of
the victim does not provide any excuse for white solidarity. That this is
so in Russia is well known and advertised. It holds true also in many other
white nations.
10. America’s Opportunity
But these consequences of the present course of America’s and the world’s
history should not be recorded only in terms of compelling forces. The
bright side is that the conquering of color caste in America is America’s own
innermost desire. This nation early laid down as the moral basis for its
existence the principles of equality and liberty. However much Americans
have dodged this conviction, they have refused to adjust their laws to their
own license. Today, more than ever, they refuse to discuss systematizing
their caste order to mutual advantage, apparently because they most seri-
ously mean that caste is wrong and should not be given recognition. They
stand warmheartedly against oppression in all the world. When they are
reluctantly forced into war, they are compelled to justify their participation
to their own conscience by insisting that they are fighting against aggression
and for liberty and equality.
America feels Itself to be humanity in miniature. When in this crucial
time the international leadership passes to America, the great reason for
hope is that this country has a national experience of uniting racial and
cultural diversities and a national theory, if not a consistent practice, of
freedom and equality for all. What America is constantly reaching for Is
democracy at home and abroad. The main trend in its history is the gradual
realization of the American Creed.
In this sense the Negro problem is not only America’s greatest failure
but also America’s Incomparably great opportunity for the future. If
America should follow its own deepest convictions, its well-being at home
would be increased directly. At the same time America’s prestige and power
abroad would rise immensely. The century-old dream of American patriots,
that America should give to the entire world its own freedoms and its own
faith, would come true. America can demonstrate that justice, equality and
cooperation are possible between white and colored people.
In the present phase of history this is what the w^orld needs to believe.
Mankind is sick of fear and disbelief, of pessimism and cynicism. It needs
the youthful moralistic optimism of America. But empty declarations only
deepen cynicism. Deeds are called for. If America in actual practice could
show the world a progressive trend by which the Negro became finally
integrated into modern democracy, all mankind would be given faith
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