remained poor Besides they were denied economic freedom King s words emphasize how racial discrimination trapped Black people in poverty Segregation and Social Injustice The author points out that even after the abolition of slavery Black Americans were still not truly free He says One hundred years later the Negro still is not free Instead they were crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination These metaphors show how segregation laws limited Black people They could not access the same opportunities as White people Black people were treated as second-class citizens They were excluded from schools public spaces and basic rights Denial of Civil Rights The orator compares America s promise of equality to a check He claims that it was returned due to insufficient funds He says that Black Americans were promised freedom and civil rights This was done by the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation However these promises were not fulfilled for them This metaphor shows how White Americans fully enjoyed these rights Black Americans however were denied these benefits Psychological Impact of Racism King describes how racism deeply affected the dignity and humanity of Black Americans He speaks of them being Languishing in the corners of American society They were also treated as if their lives had less value This language reflects the humiliation and isolation caused by racial prejudice Segregation and unequal treatment oppressed Black people materially It also caused them emotional and psychological harm Lack of Freedom and Justice King emphasizes that Black Americans were far from achieving true freedom and justice He says they were crippled by systemic racism This restricted their ability to live fulfilling lives In contrast White Americans enjoyed full freedoms and rights This discrimination created a society where equality was only an ideal not a reality King s repetition of phrases like we will not be satisfied calls for immediate justice to end this unfair treatment In summary Martin Luther King Jr masterfully exposes the discrimination between White and Black Americans In this speech he has done this through vivid imagery and metaphors He highlights the economic social and psychological impacts of racism His speech reminds us of the need to end racial discrimination It also calls for ensuring freedom for everyone