Integration (Insert)

Speaking as a Black man from America, which is a racist society No matter how much you hear it talk about democracy It's as racist as South Africa or as racist as Portugal Or as racist as any other racialist society on this earth The only difference between it and South Africa South Africa preaches separation and practices separation America preaches integration and practices segregation This is the only difference They don't practice what they preach, whereas South Africa preaches and practices the same thing I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands Even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil I don't agree with him because I'm not a follower of Muhammad myself I think that all people have been mistreated in some form or another But I don't agree with him, I don't follow Muhammad I don't think anyone should follow one man I think they should follow their own conscience I think the main problem of most negroes is that they feel sorry for themselves And I think this keeps them back much more Than they would be if they didn't feel so sorry for themselves If Martin Luther King, Roy Wilkins or any of these uh compromising negroes Who say exactly what the white man wants to hear is interviewed anywhere In the country, you don't get anybody to offset what they say But whenever a black man stands up and says something that white people don't like Then the first thing that white man does is run around and try and find somebody To say something to offset what has just been said This is natural, but it is done You know what I think? I just think you've given up (Given up on what?) On the ideal of an integrated America The dream of Martin Luther King, I think you've given up This is not, I'm not trying to be a smart alec now I'm telling you honestly that I think you've given up You know, it's interesting how white folks sit here thinking That I have a reason to lie to you, as though you are so powerful And you are so wonderful, and I am so ashamed of my words That I have to twist and turn Please, you're not dealing with that kind of man You're dealing with a man who means what he says and says what he means --- Integration (Insert) - Ice Cube