Question

"This is not a sectional issue. Difficulties over segregation and discrimination exist in every city, in every State of the Union, producing in many cities a rising tide of discontent that threatens the public safety. Nor is this a partisan issue. In a time of domestic crisis men of good will and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics." In this excerpt from President Kennedy's 1963 Civil Rights Address the phrase "rising tide of discontent" most likely refers to:

Answer 1

In this excerpt from President Kennedy's 1963 Civil Rights Address the phrase "rising tide of discontent" most likely refers to difficulties over segregation and discrimination.
He states in his speech that these are the things that people need to unite over and rectify, so as to prevent any turmoil or troubles that may happen in the state as a result of them.