Reply #22: I suggest you do some research on the subject

[Chulanowa]

Throw in Gandhi, while you're at it. Seriously. Now before I go further, I want to point out I have nothing but admiration for these two men. They had their flaws and all, but what they did and what they said is worthy of respect.

But they ain't shit without a few million angry motherfuckers behind them.

That's the key. That's what's constantly ignored. Gandhi and King... neither one of them would have accomplished anything if it weren't for the very real threat being posed by the people standing behind them. Both of these men were basically saying to the establishment, "We can do this my way, the peaceful way... or I can just step aside and let all these nice people with torches and pitchforks figure out how to handle the situation."

King and Gandhi earned their place in history in large part by keeping lots of brown people from actually revolting against the established hierarchy, just like how chief Joseph is only remembered for having the good taste to surrender unconditionally. It's the Little Brown Hero myth, very popular with liberals, even if most of them are unaware of its origins or meanings.