"We who in engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive"

Martin Luther King Jr. is highlighting the importance of nonviolent direct action in this quote. He is saying that those who participate in this type of action are not the ones developing stress, but rather they are exposing the tension that currently exists. This is an important indicate make, as it reveals that the stress is currently present which nonviolent direct action is a way to address it. It likewise suggests that if the stress is not dealt with, it will stay surprise and unresolved. King is suggesting that nonviolent direct action is a way to bring the tension to the surface and to ultimately fix it. This quote is a suggestion of the power of nonviolent direct action and its ability to bring about positive change.