Where Do We Go From Here?

This passage begins with a biblical allusion to a young boy who left his home to "find himself," by pursuing adventure after adventure. Ultimately, he only found disillusionment and frustration, and it was not until he returned home that he actually "found himself." This is the analogy used in comparison to the plight in America with regards to racism and discrimination. America had the potential to be the "perfect," nation; just as the little boy had the opportunity to find himself at home. However, America strayed away from their opportunity to advance into perfection; just as the young boy left home. The way in which America virtually squandered her opportunity to achieve perfection is through things such as segregation, racism, and discrimination. A "perfect," nation would consist of justice and equality for all, combined with the co-existence of all races.
The greatest similarities between the boy and America, are the feelings aroused by the decisions they have made. the boy's decision to leave home ultimately caused him to feel lost and sorrowful; just as the enslavement of and discrimination against black people has "left hearts aching with guilt and minds distorted with irrationality." However, just as the boy was able to return home and correct his mistake of leaving from the beginning, the passage argues that America too can correct her plight "if she returns to her true home, 'one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all'." The passage also states that if America is able to achieve this ultimately many other things will occur benefitting the country, such as power amongst other nations. In a type of "lead-by-example," scenario, it is said that other countries will acknowledge and respect the way in which America is run and be more subjective to follow suit.
The question is then posed as whether America will allow black people, or the negro population, to be her liability or opportunity? By withholding "inalienable rights," from a group of inhabitants of the country, America is blatantly seen as a hypocritical nation, and therefore limited both to the amount of international respect as well as power that she can achieve. Therefore, prior to pursuing power and wealth, America must first focus on justice and equality for all. Just as the little boy had to achieve his happiness at home. Also, it is pointed out how unnecessary money is spent on things such as war, alcohol, and cosmetics, as opposed to restitution for some of the wrongs of slavery and prejudice. This is stated to prove that the first step in achieving national "perfection," is to properly prioritize.
In essence the passage is saying that in order to gain wealth and prosper, Americans must first correct their civil problems. Where Do We Go From Here? is an adequate title for the passage. "Here," being the condition of America presently. In retrospect, the answer to that question would be to take the necessary steps to both achieving and maintaining equality.
As a whole the piece is a decent read. However, it is organized in a sort of awkward way, where the transitions in paragraphs are not smooth. The context of the whole passage are very insightful, yet unorganized. Also, the way in which the passage begins with the analogy of America to the biblical story warrants readers to keep reading.