Martin Luther King once said, “we must live together as brothers or perish like fools.” This statement highlights the importance of the characteristics of concern, compassion, and knowledge. The color of a person's skin would result in harsh and unfair treatment. Despite feeling alienated by their peers and others, many African Americans chose to stand up for their rights. These truths were revealed when the famous new rocker bravely took a stand, whatever their odds. In Melba Pattillo Beals' novel Warriors Don't Cry and a panel discussion hosted by NBC News, the disturbing truths behind integration struggles come to life. First, during the integration period, white students demonstrated a complete lack of concern. as evidenced by “A Round Table” hosted by NBC News. For example, when Sammy Parker, a white student at Central High School, was asked if she had ever tried to make an effort to find out what African Americans were like, she replied, "Not until today." . (A panel discussion...) This shows the complete lack of concern for African Americans and their plight during this time. Being a concerned person requires characteristics of care, consideration and thoughtfulness. Caring about each other can make a big difference in the world. This lack of concern is further proven in Melba Pattillo Beal's personal story, Warriors Don't Cry. When Melba Patillo takes a quick trip to the bathroom, she is fired upon with comments such as "there are no colored signs" and "go home" from white students. (Melba Beals 98.) The immature actions of these white students show a complete lack of concern. Even though all Melba wanted to do was just restore us to the middle of paper, in high school she states that African American students wanted to rule. This is another illogical statement. It never occurred to African-American students to rule. Imagine the horrible situation African Americans would find themselves in if they tried to govern. The segregationist would be uncontrollable. These illogical comments from the white students show that they had no understanding of the goals of African Americans. These examples of lack of knowledge demonstrate ignorance. Without the qualities of concern, compassion, and knowledge demonstrated by white students during this time, many situations only got worse. Today, many people in the world still do not possess these characteristics. We must do our best to love ourselves. The future of the world is in our hands. So now challenge yourself with these three qualities.