Legislation is powerless to [eliminate] racial instincts or to abolish distinctions based upon physical if the civil and political rights of both races be equal, one cannot be inferior to the other civilly or politically. if one race be inferior to the other socially, the constitution of the united states cannot put them upon the same plane. which statement best summarizes brown’s message in this passage? african americans are not inferior to white citizens. the law cannot cause or correct social differences. legislation should seek to resolve social problems. african americans should focus on making political gains.