te resistance, in most cases, will determine where and to what extent rage will lead.The struggle for social power between white and black America was brought to a head during the Civil Rights Era. Williams explains, The oppressors heart is hard. The experience of history teaches that he only relents under violent pressure and force. There is little hope that he will see the handwriting on the wall before it is too late. . . . America is a house of fire -- FREEDOM NOW! -- or let it burn, let it burn. (USA 333)Paralleling similar warnings provided to white America prior to the Civil War, as well as during Jim Crow, Williams admonition reflects both the presence and reoccurrence of black rage throughout American history, continually insisting on pressing upward against white dominance. The fact is, white society fears, and has always feared, losing power. White America has been resistant and forever reluctant to relinquish her position of social, economical, and political dominance. At the same time, black America is likewise reluctant, reluctant to give up the fight. Demonstrating the upward mobility and momentum of the black race, Carmichael announces, We are on the move for our liberation. Were tired of trying to prove things to white people. We are tired of trying to explain to white people that were not going to hurt them (41). Hurt them? Yes, white America fears being hurt -- physically, economically, and socially. The question remains: Will white America continue its resistance until black rage inevitably boils over? The question is, exclaimed Carmichael, will white people overcome their racism and allow [us to organize] in this country? If not, we have no choice but to say very clearly, Move on over, or were going to move on over you (41). Concluding this thought, Williams writes, The fact is that racist white America is not worried about the possibility of Negroes being exterminated. It is more worried about the...
