Chapter 168: Black People’s Anger
Martin Luther King sobered up after feeling the alcohol.
The White House is the biggest proof of racial discrimination. The White House needs to be renamed. Why is the White House called White and not Black House? Why didn’t I think of this before?
“Famous palaces in the world, like Buckingham Palace, the Kremlin, Élysée Palace, and the Forbidden City, are either named after people or meanings. Only the White House is named after a color,” Lin Ran said.
Martin Luther King listened very seriously, nodding frequently: “Professor, what you said is too good.
Clearly, the White House was previously called the President’s Mansion. Does it have to be called the White House just because it was painted with white exterior walls?”
Black people being sensitive is too normal.
Because in 1901 at the beginning of the 20th century, President Roosevelt renamed the White House, and soon afterward, a racial discrimination poem appeared on the marketplace: “Niggers in the White House,” plus a large part of the labor to build the White House came from black slaves.
But to be honest, this poem itself, apart from the nigger from beginning to end being quite offensive, is simply a great prophet, perfectly predicting the White House after the 2008 election.
(Full text of Niggers in the White House, this poem is named “Niggers in the White House”, composed of 14 quatrains, using ABCB rhyme scheme)
Lin Ran didn’t mention it, and Martin Luther King hadn’t realized it yet. Isn’t this pure racial discrimination?
Yeah, why does the White House have to be called White?
White people named the White House White House, and also mock black people greatly, constantly calling us nigger.
“Dr. King, whether the White House can really be renamed is not important.
What’s important is that your movement needs a more popular and mobile slogan. This slogan both represents the goal you want to achieve and can quickly spread within the supporter group.
At rallies, you use slogans to rally morale, then slowly introduce more specific demands, like the Civil Rights Act, or the passage of other bills.
In the process of public opinion dissemination and concept shaping, renaming the White House is your demand. The White House being called White is racial discrimination; this can become your propaganda slogan.
Such a concept, because of its sensational effect, will quickly spread nationwide.
Any media in reporting will naturally spread your full demands.” Lin Ran added.
Martin Luther King already didn’t know how many times he had been shocked today.
From seeing the article on systemic oppression, to the specific tactics for renaming the White House, to analyzing the benefits of this tactic from a theoretical level.
At this time, the shock in Martin Luther King’s heart was far greater than when he previously consulted Lin Ran about Nixon.
As a person from the internet era, in terms of public opinion dissemination, Lin Ran is undoubtedly the master in this era.
How to form an element that spreads at the fastest speed, no one in this era knows better than Lin Ran.
“Professor, what you said is too good.” Martin Luther King had already started taking out his notebook to jot down Lin Ran’s words.
“Actually, I think renaming it Kennedy Palace would be very appropriate, just to commemorate President Kennedy,” Lin Ran said.
After a session of guidance in the black bar, Lin Ran felt he had taught Martin Luther King enough today.
As he headed to the parking lot, in the night, a black young man reminded:
“Professor, Director Hoover asked me to remind you that you have overstepped.”
Lin Ran looked up at him: “Are you working for Hoover?”
The black young man didn’t answer: “Director Hoover asked me to remind you not to associate with people like Martin Luther King. Don’t even think about participating in the civil rights movement.”
Lin Ran noncommittally walked to his car, then said nothing, just smiled at the young man, while thinking inwardly, Hoover, you have a death wish!
Managing the heavens and the earth, and also managing my meeting with Martin Luther King? Not letting me make trouble, that’s the biggest death wish.
Near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
This is not only the location of the 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, but also a symbolic landmark of the civil rights movement.
Martin Luther King’s event was held here.
With his appeal, at this sensitive time point, despite the biting cold wind in Washington D.C., temperatures hovering around minus 5 degrees Celsius, the National Mall covered with thin snow, the temporary podium standing out strikingly in the snow, the scene still gathered a large number of people from Washington D.C. and surrounding areas.
Martin Luther King wore a dark overcoat, scarf tightly wrapped, black top hat on his head, standing at the podium.
His expression was firm, and when his gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes revealed hope and determination, hands gripping the podium edge tightly.
Among the crowd were black people, white supporters, students, and workers from different classes.
Their expressions varied, some full of expectation, some extremely excited.
On-site police and National Guard in heavy uniforms maintained order on the periphery. They had serious expressions, vigilant gazes, ready at any moment to respond to potential conflicts.
“Friends, we gather here today not just for warmth in the cold, but for justice in our hearts. We must ask a question: Why is the White House called White House? Does this name unintentionally remind us that the power center of this country is still a symbol dominated by white people?”
During the speech, Martin Luther King reviewed the history of the White House, pointing out that it was built with slave labor,
The word “White” not only represents color, but also symbolizes the past of racial segregation.
“The walls of the White House are white, but its foundation is soaked with the blood and sweat of black people. We cannot ignore this fact.”
“President Kennedy defended equality with his life; his spirit should continue in this building.”
“Let us work together so that the power center of this country is no longer named by color, but named by freedom, equality, and justice! Let us shout: Why is the White House called White? Until justice comes!”
The supporters present were clearly moved, feeling inspired and hopeful.
When the name of the poem “Niggers in the White House” came out of Martin Luther King’s mouth, the young black people present all showed angry expressions on their faces.
Outside the venue, white supremacists became furious after hearing Martin Luther King call to rename the White House to Kennedy Palace, considering it an attack on American tradition.
They tried to disrupt the event but were blocked by security personnel.
After the rally ended, supporters and opponents erupted into fierce conflict at the scene.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and other civil rights organizations expressed support, considering it a symbolic call for equality.
SCLC leaders said: “Dr. King hits the core of the problem.”
The event ignited the enthusiasm of civil rights supporters.
This slogan quickly spread nationwide, igniting a national public opinion frenzy.
In the dissemination process, this slogan was further simplified to: Why called white.
The media rushed to report
New York Times: “Dr. King calls for renaming White House, sparking national debate”, reporting the event itself while quoting Martin Luther King’s original words: “The name of the White House is a symbol, symbolizing the barriers we must break.”
The Washington Post took a reserved attitude toward renaming, “Real change lies in law, not names.”
Southern media, like conservative newspapers such as the Atlanta paper, crazily criticized: “Dr. King’s proposal is an insult to tradition, which will exacerbate divisions on both sides.”
Inside the Donkey Party, opinions were divided; some congressmen supported renaming, others worried about intensifying contradictions.
The Elephant Party unanimously opposed and criticized, calling it “provocative”.
President Lyndon Johnson expressed through spokesperson respect for civil rights demands, but renaming requires broad consensus.
In accepting interviews, Martin Luther King said: “The professor gave me great inspiration. If not for the professor, I wouldn’t have realized that the White House itself is a symbol of white supremacy.
So white supporters led by the KKK reacted so intensely to my demands this time.
Obviously, we have found the key to the problem.”
“Of course, the professor has insight beyond ordinary people; he can clearly see the essence of the problem and propose solutions. The White House being called White House is oppression of minority ethnic groups; this is exactly what he reminded me of, and I noticed it.”
In the White House office, the fireplace was continuously emitting heat.
Lyndon Johnson and Lin Ran sat facing each other across the desk.
Lin Ran was very clear why the other party had called him.
The Senate had already voted to approve his appointment as NASA Administrator, passing with a relative advantage of 60 to 40 votes.
Obviously, some Donkey Party congressmen from southern states were dissatisfied with his recent jumping around performance, so they didn’t vote yes.
At the same time, there were Elephant Party congressmen who supported him, perhaps because of his views, or perhaps because Morgan and Rockefeller exerted efforts behind the scenes, voting yes for him.
Lyndon Johnson leaned forward, gaze locked on Lin Ran, cigar in hand emitting smoke: “Randolph, congratulations on becoming NASA Administrator. I always knew you were an outstanding engineer. I believe you can lead NASA to victory after victory, just as you said.
This is also why I arranged for you to become NASA Administrator, because you can bring us victory.
Not only do I believe this, Americans also believe this.”
Lin Ran said: “I will definitely lead Americans to land on the moon.”
Lin Ran thought to himself, if I don’t participate in the Apollo Program throughout, how can I directly replicate the Apollo Moon Landing sixty years later?
Additionally, he was very clear that the reason Lyndon Johnson pushed him to this position was also because he helped the other save political resources.
Right, these positions in Washington, whether congressman or White House consultant, assistant, these positions all come at a price, all are part of the president’s resources.
And he accomplished the matter without consuming resources, the saved resources could be used by Lyndon Johnson for transactions, helping him secure the NASA Administrator position.
For example, for Lin Ran to sit in this position, James Webb needs a placement, a placement no less than this one.
For Robert Kennedy to voluntarily resign, he needs to give the other benefits, benefits not monetary, but political resources, like congressman positions, consultant positions, and such.
However, Lin Ran hadn’t expected that in just five years, he had become NASA Administrator.
“Randolph, I called you here today not to talk about technical details. I want to talk to you about bigger things, concerning America’s future.”
Lin Ran slightly adjusted his sitting posture; he knew what the other wanted to say, most likely the White House renaming, or more accurately, the vigorous civil rights movement behind the White House renaming.
“Mr. President, I am honored to serve you. What do you mean by ‘bigger things’?”
Johnson stood up, walked to the window, back to Lin Ran, voice low and powerful:
“America’s future, Randolph, is not only in space, but also on our streets, in our schools, in the hearts of every American.
You know, the Civil Rights Act is about to pass, but this is just the beginning. I want this country to see that minority ethnic groups can not only participate, but also lead.”
Lin Ran nodded: “That’s natural. I also stated at the hearing,”
Johnson continued: “Randolph, but you shouldn’t have given Dr. King ideas.”
Lin Ran said: “I just mentioned it casually, didn’t expect him to take it seriously.”
Johnson sneered: “Professor, I don’t believe you just mentioned it casually.
Can a casual mention have such great power?
Now America from newspapers to television to the public, everyone is discussing renaming the White House.
‘Niggers in the White House’ has become clear evidence of America’s past racial discrimination, and the calls for renaming the White House are growing louder, national unrest is becoming more obvious.”
Lin Ran said: “Okay, as a minority ethnic group member, it’s normal for me to naturally sympathize with and support the civil rights movement.
Moreover, I’m about to return to Redstone Arsenal to work, and I don’t have time to think about how to make this country more equal.”
Lyndon Johnson softened his tone: “Professor, I don’t mean to accuse you.
I just say, next time before you make such suggestions, shouldn’t you discuss it with me first?
Now I’m under a lot of pressure, because the president decides whether to rename or not.”
The White House is the president’s residence and administrative institution property, directly managed by the president. In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt renamed it “White House” via executive order, without needing Congress approval.
“If I rename it, conservatives will accuse me of violating tradition, which will not favor my election situation.
If I don’t rename it, minority ethnic groups will think my push for the Civil Rights Act is fake, to quell the unrest from President Kennedy’s death, which will also affect my election situation.”
Lin Ran suddenly realized, so that’s what you mean.
But thinking about it, yes, either way it’s easy to offend a group of people.
The Civil Rights Act itself affects conservative voters, and renaming the White House will further affect some center-right leaning voters; people might think you’re a bit too extreme.
It’s just a name, is it necessary?
And if not renaming, black people have shouted the slogan Why is the White House called White so loudly, so deeply rooted in people’s hearts; not renaming offends even more.
Understanding the implication, Lin Ran said: “Just push it to Congress, let Congress vote on it.”
Lyndon Johnson said: “This is an administrative matter, doesn’t need Congress consent.”
Lin Ran explained: “It is an administrative matter, but can’t have every president change the name once they come into office.
While you’re in office, it’s called Kennedy Palace; when Elephant Party people come, change it back to White House.
White House name changed means Donkey Party won; White House name not changed means Elephant Party won.
Even later, if a president changes the White House to his own name, wouldn’t that be chaos?”
Old T could really do such a thing.
If sixty years ago America kept messing around repeatedly with the White House name like this, Old T would definitely name the White House after himself, or even sell White House naming rights to corporations for a big profit.
“Moreover, renaming involves updating laws; clauses mentioning the White House in laws, don’t they need to change too? Doesn’t that need Congress approval?” Lin Ran continued.
Lyndon Johnson nodded: “Right, Professor, you still have the ways.
Like the volume on federal property management in the U.S. Code needs revision.”
Lin Ran continued: “Like the symbolic significance of the White House itself, shouldn’t there be a hearing to discuss it?
Changing identifications inside the White House, various item badges, this involves federal budget, needs a special appropriation, doesn’t that need Congress review?
Anyway, there are too many ways to drag this matter out; the best way is to push it to Congress.
I believe conservative congressmen will be very happy; it’s not you the president deciding whether to rename the White House, they still have a chance to block it.”
Lyndon Johnson nodded: “Professor, I understand.”
A minority ethnic group member serving as White House senior official is a historic moment; the White House specially held an appointment ceremony and had the television station live broadcast it throughout.
After all, Lin Ran as administrator is a hot character.
The appointment ceremony in the White House Rose Garden; the weather was bad, roses not blooming, and a bit chilly.
Stars and Stripes and NASA flags placed in front of the podium.
Media reporters, dignitaries, NASA officials, and minority ethnic group representatives made the atmosphere here quite lively.
The entire atmosphere was solemn and full of expectation.
Walter Rostow stood in front of the podium, tone solemn: “Ladies and gentlemen, please be quiet. Today we witness Professor Randolph Lin officially appointed as NASA Administrator. Please welcome President Lyndon Johnson.”
President Johnson walked out of the White House with firm steps, waving in greeting, with a smile on his face.
Lin Ran followed closely, expression serious.
The crowd applauded in tribute.
Lyndon Johnson stood in front of the podium, gaze sweeping the audience, tone resounding:
“Today is a day worth remembering for America. We have taken an important step on the path of space exploration and social progress.
Professor Randolph Lin, an outstanding mathematician, engineer, philosopher, will become NASA’s first minority ethnic group Administrator.
This is not only affirmation of his talent, but also a promise to America’s diversity and fairness.”
Then turning to Lin Ran, “Randolph, you standing here represents the dreams of countless minority ethnic group Americans.
I believe under your leadership, NASA will not only win the space race, but also become an institution that makes all free world people proud.”
“Today, we show the world America’s true power: a country gathered from diverse cultures and talents. Let us join hands, win space, and win the future!”
Lin Ran listened while thinking America will be even more diverse, diverse beyond your imagination, while observing the expressions of the guests below the stage, and spotting the expressionless Hoover at a glance.
Still ten thousand words update, also begging for a monthly ticket~
