That seems to be in full agreement with his quote. Understanding the purpose of something is necessary precondition of evaluating it on its merits. Using your

That seems to be in full agreement with his quote. Understanding the purpose of something is necessary precondition of evaluating it on its merits. Using your "back of the bus" example, the purpose of that was to reinforce the idea that black people were somehow inferior. That's a pretty terrible purpose, which is why society has harshly rejected and removed it.