“It is incontestable and deplorable that Negroes have committed crimes; but they are derivative crimes. They are born of the greater crimes of the white society.”
- January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968
- African American
- Pastor and civil rights leader
- He led the movement to abolish racial discrimination in the United States and contributed to the establishment of the Civil Rights Act
Quote
“It is incontestable and deplorable that Negroes have committed crimes; but they are derivative crimes. They are born of the greater crimes of the white society.”
Explanation
In this quote, King addresses the complex roots of crime within marginalized communities, particularly in Black communities facing systemic oppression. He acknowledges that while criminal acts may occur, they often arise as responses to structural inequalities and injustices imposed by a society that has denied these communities fair opportunities, justice, and equality. King’s words challenge us to consider context and causation when examining social issues, rather than attributing blame to individuals without examining the larger forces at play.
King made this statement in an era marked by segregation, poverty, and racial discrimination, where Black Americans were systematically denied resources such as education, employment, and housing. Such exclusion created environments of desperation and marginalization, leading to situations where crime could emerge as a symptom of deeper, unaddressed societal issues. King argued that it was the responsibility of the broader society to recognize these structural problems and work toward creating equitable conditions.
In the present day, King’s message encourages us to address the root causes of inequality rather than merely penalizing individuals affected by them. For example, rather than focusing only on punishment, societies can invest in education, mental health services, job creation, and fair housing policies that uplift communities. King’s insight serves as a reminder that social justice and equality are fundamental to reducing crime and building a society where everyone has a fair chance to thrive, reinforcing the need for solutions that address systemic issues rather than symptoms alone.
