“If you can only be tall because somebody's on their knees, then you have a serious problem. And my feeling is, white people have a very, very serious problem”

Simplified Meaning:

This quote is talking about fairness and equality. It suggests that if you can only feel strong, important, or successful by making other people feel weak or less than you, then there's something wrong with that. In this case, it points out that some white people may feel superior by treating people of other races poorly. Imagine a school where one student bullies others to feel better about themselves. Instead of building their own confidence and skills, they choose to make others feel small so they can feel big. This isn't right or healthy. The quote encourages people to be kind and fair, and not to build their confidence or success by pushing others down. In your own life, this means you should try to succeed based on your own efforts and talents, without needing to harm or belittle others. Everyone should have the same chance to stand tall without someone else being forced to kneel.