“Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.” This particular quote stands out to me partially because it is a statement. It’s not a question or suggestion. It is a statement declaring that oppression is not an infinite or everlasting condition. The circumstances which cause oppression are so severe that oppressed people are compelled, led and determined to overcome their state of oppression. The oppressed might be described as animals caged and tormented. Both will fight back. It is human nature to fight against being held back, to fight against unfairness, to question unequal treatment, to resist restraints.
It is not difficult to understand King’s statement because history backs him up. The people King speaks of are his fellow African Americans, but they were in no way the first oppressed people of this world. In biblical times, the Israelites in Egypt were slaves and at one point and were forced to kill their male babies. Moses fought for them and eventually led them out of Egypt. Another severely oppressed people were the Jews. Millions were killed in a most hideous manner—herded naked into large rooms where they were gassed to death. The United States and its combined allies joined forces to free the Jewish people being held in concentration camps. Similarly, the African Americans of king’s time and back to the beginning of the USA were oppressed. They were slaves—couldn’t own land, but instead they themselves were owned. Laws even enforced the unjust oppression. Sit at the back of the bus, use the blacks only water fountain, not being able to swim in the public pool, and don’t look us in the eyes were some of the unfairness they faced. Lynching without trial wasn’t uncommon either. African Americans of King’s time and before were humiliated and degraded.
King’s statement is that his people will see the end of their oppression. He lifts their spirits as a leader should, so they can rise up and fight through. King plants the truth in their head that freedom is within reach. King presents himself as determined and trustworthy by having a plan to end their oppression—non-violent protests and actions. In order to overcome the disadvantages King and his brethren must have hope; I believe King successfully installs hope throughout his letter and even in just this one sentence.
When a group is oppressed in such a way—through enacted laws backed up by a common belief among the white race that they were the superior race—it gives the oppressors the feeling that they are right. Going along with the oppression and not taking a stand against unfair treatment allows it to continue. Without putting an end to segregation and harsh laws against Negroes, the thoughts and actions of the white oppressors during King’s time would have continued from generation to generation. The clergymen and other people wouldn’t have stopped on their own. If the oppressed remained oppressed forever, our world today would be significantly different. But, as King said, “oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever,” he accepts the dangers, challenges and responsibility for leading his people in their revolt against oppression.
