Racial tensions in the United States reached a peak in the 1960s. Riots, freedom marches, church bombings, and racially provoked killings were regular events on the streets of America. After the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, African Americans could finally hope for a brighter, more prosperous future, growing more impatient to achieve it. A majority of white people, on the other hand, vehemently opposed the notion of allowing blacks equal opportunity. The underlying passions of both sides that had been brewing for decades, if not centuries, were finally coming to a head. Intense conflict between the two sides was inevitable. Radicals displayed their pent up anger and resentment through destructive rampages in Detroit, Los Angeles, and other large cities. Cities were burned and people killed in fierce melees that lasted several days or even weeks. 

Against this tumultuous backdrop, Martin Luther King wrote "The World House" essay in an attempt to put the disarray and chaos into perspective. In it, he presented his vision of the World House: "A family unduly separated in ideas, culture, and interest, who, because we can never again live apart, must learn somehow to live with each other in peace" (King). To King, everyone was family, sharing the same House. People were not defined by their race, social status, or religion, and every person had the desire to assist one another when in need. This notion of the World House was shaped by the brutal discrimination among races and social classes that occurred during the same time period in which he wrote his essay. King's writing was influenced by outside adversities and tactics other leaders used to oppose prejudice.

King believed firmly in Mohandas Ghandi's non-violent approach to change and pleaded with African Americans to do the same. He often led non-violent freedom marches to bring attention to the cause, frequently resulting in his being arrested and imprisoned. Undiscouraged, he would resolutely organize and lead another march soon after. This ongoing resistance to physically fight "rested on his reputation as an uncompromising advocate of nonviolence" (Berg). His powerful message, tenaciousness, and unwavering leadership sent a strong message that the movement would not be denied. 

Dr. King's peaceful tactics were displayed in his acts against discrimination. His goal to end hatred among the classifications of people was achieved lawfully when the Civil Rights Act was passed. Even though this act was approved, it was not necessarily enforced. Lyndon B. Johnson, the president of the U.S. during this time, spoke to appease the riots that occurred in response to the new act. He referred to these outbreaks as a "tragedy" because of his disappointment that Americans were unable to accept the equality among races (Johnson). Johnson hoped his speech would convince the opposing people to stop rebelling and abide by the new act. 

Johnson's efforts to quell the riots by speaking out against the inequality among races was similar to the acts of Dr. King. Even when citizens rejected King's actions, he continued his role as a leader in the Civil Rights movement. His essay was one of the contributing factors to the ongoing struggle of accepting different races as equals. Johnson's speech, as well as "The World House" specifically addressed the need to abolish discrimination. King's essay not only specified equality among races, but also among the many classifications of people around the world. He wanted peace for everyone, no matter if they are black or white, rich or poor, Jews or Christians. 

Some whites supported Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement; most remained quiet and tried to assimilate the changes that were taking shape. A small number, though, banned together to fight the movement. The Ku Klux Klan, a group of white extremists mostly in the south, disrupted freedom marches and burned or bombed black churches throughout the south, in hopes of breaking down the resolve of blacks. In Michigan and other places, whites protested to block the enforcement of forced busing. The governor of Alabama stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama in an attempt to prevent the first African American from attending there, and lawless mayhem broke out when the first black tried to enter the University of Mississippi.       

MLK realized that racism and inequality was not isolated to the United States. It was prevalent throughout the world and the struggle for equal treatment extended to people of all colors and ethnicities in most regions of the world. Nowhere was that more evident than in South Africa where apartheid choked off freedom for millions. Many national laws were established to segregate groups and assign unfair treatment and rights according to race. Groups formed and relied on "tactics such as strikes, demonstrations, sabotage, and other forms of violence" to oppose apartheid (Robinson). The South African government began dismantling apartheid and released prisoners from these groups including Nelson Mandela. South Africa established an election process and Mandela was elected the first black president. Mandela followed King's teachings in discrimination from apartheid "encouraged fears and suspicions between whites, blacks, Coloureds, and Indians," hence, South Africans struggled to rebuild their country and establish peace among races that was inexistent (Robinson). 

While amazing strides have been made in bringing equality to millions of people in the U.S. and Africa, there are many millions more who have yet to share in this liberation. Lewis V. Baldwin, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Vanderbilt University, wrote in 2013: "The world in which King lived and traveled embodied many of the same problems that exist today in the area of race relations." Baldwin compared the circumstances King endured then to the circumstances now. He believed that discrimination is present in the world today. Baldwin confirmed that "hate groups, hate crimes, and politically motivated patterns of racial profiling" (Baldwin) are still prevalent. It is necessary to reflect on Dr. King's essay and be reminded of the tragedies and conflicts that segregated millions before the acceptance of civil rights. King stated many non-violent methods he implemented to oppose prejudice. After reflecting on King's essay, Baldwin believed that people should aspire to confront the misfortunes of the past by not allowing "phenomenon of racialized others still define our world  " (Baldwin).

Dr. King's message is as meaningful and commanding today as it was when he started the journey. The many events that occurred and the tactics utilized by other leaders opposing discrimination in the same time period that King wrote his essay influenced his topics and the way he led the Civil Rights movement. Dr. King believed that everyone should be treated equally, despite race or social status. Whether people ultimately realize this dream depends on developing their understanding and sensitivity to the fellow man. As Michael L. Westmoreland, former academic theologian turned peace activist and educator, wrote: "The World House is ALL our home   and we have NO CHOICE but to learn to live in it together   or we destroy both ourselves and the World House."   

