"I want to be the white man's brother, not his brother-in-law"

This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. speaks with the concept of racial equality and the need for a unified society. He is advocating for a relationship in between white individuals and black individuals that is based upon brotherhood and shared regard, rather than one of unequal power dynamics. He is declining the idea of a "brother-in-law" relationship, which indicates a hierarchical structure and an absence of real equality. He is rather requiring a relationship of good understanding and assistance, where both sides are viewed as equals. This quote speaks to the need for a society that is devoid of bigotry and prejudice, and one that is based on mutual respect and understanding. It is a call for a society where everybody is viewed as equal, despite race or ethnic background. It is a require a society where everybody is treated with self-respect and regard, and where everybody is provided the same chances and rights. This quote is a powerful suggestion of the significance of racial equality and the requirement for a unified society.