Why we can't wait-martin luther king - Essay Example

Why We Cant Wait 29 March Martin Luther King Jr is a renowned leader, clergyman and activist who largely advocated for civil rights in America. He is well recognized for his responsibility in the headway of civil rights by use of nonviolent means, and for this reason, he became an established nationwide icon in the history of modern American liberalism. Born in 1929, King experienced the worst of times when there was no equality with segregation as well as discrimination at their peak as he grew up and consequently became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led in boycotts and widespread matches in cities in a bid to secure recognition of rights held by African-Americans. It was through bold and inspirational speeches that King established a reputation as a great orator. However, this also painted him a radical and subject to federal surveillance for the rest of his life. In addition, King is recognized for his phlegmatic way of approaching crisis as he advocated for the rights of all. Martin Luther King Jr represented the African-American community, but in essence, this translates to all minority communities who lived an oppressed life. This oppression came about following colonization and the slave trade where the rights of those perceived to a weak community were subjected to a wide range of discrimination. Segregation and discrimination with regard to race, gender and education were outlawed following advocacy for civil rights. This marks a critical step towards generating independence among communities. This clearly illustrates that even as King fought for the rights of African-Americans, the benefits would be felt across different communities both regionally and nationally. King mounted a challenge to oppression by defying the status quo, which eventually got support from other members of the community other than African-Americans. However, there still exist a wide disparity based on ethnicity, race, religion and gender in modern America. This creates the need for more activism and effective leadership to bridge the gap, eliminating existing disparities. It is the tradition with most advocates of social justice to apply rhetorical strategies to engage their opponents in order to refute their claims beyond reasonable doubts. Martin Luther King is no exception as highlighted in most of his speeches, letters, and books particularly Why We Can’t Wait, which is the subject of this paper. The book was written following the conclusion of the Birmingham campaign and the Washington March in 1963 to highlight the struggles of African American activism. King gives an account of the Birmingham campaign, which saw him arrested and writing the famous Letter from Birmingham Jail. The letter from Birmingham jail was in response to the sentiments expressed by the clergymen and aimed at justifying the need for action against prevailing civil injustices. The religious leaders disapproved the position taken by King to hold the demonstrations, which in their view, imposed immerse tension in Birmingham and contravened a court injunction. King emphasises on the need to focus on the goal as illustrated in his dream for equality, among all citizens regardless of their race or religious beliefs. It is in this dream that King hopes for and waits for the day that all people will discourage rationally and logically the cycle of racism and discrimination. The Birmingham campaign was geared towards overcoming the status quo created by Jim Crow, whose campaigns caused tension among the black community as well as among his supporters. The book describes historical events leading up to what King terms as the Negro Revolution. In addition, the book highlights is the importance of running non-violent campaigns, and the significance of the future events. King believed that a non-violent resistance was more a powerful and just weapon against the power structures it was direct at as demonstrated by the paralysis and confusion experienced in Birmingham (King and Jackson 2000). However, in his book, King criticises the approach adopted by other social groups rooting for change. He observes that the leaders and their philosophies do not hold a real promise for mass change in the lives of all African Americans. It is for such reasons that the black community are urged to wait since as effective as the non-violent resistance is, it takes time and tolerance in order to realise the objectives. The black community found themselves disgruntled by the prevailing social injustices that were backed by social institutions. This is highlighted by oppression accorded the black community despite the declaration abolishing slavery through the emancipation proclamation. The blacks were regarded as inferior and were denied equal opportunity in the society in their pursuit of happiness. King states that the great depression did not end for African Americans since as the rest of the society enjoyed economic recovery, unemployment was high among the black. They were discriminated against with regard to job opportunities and hence, their relatively deplorable state of living. King asserted that for long the black community had been in expectancy to receive the rights guaranteed by God and the constitution. The events described by Arthur Miller in his book Focus, are experienced by the African American community, who find themselves living among a society that regard them as inferior. Similarly, Miller extended sentiments as he explored discrimination with regard to Jewish communities living in the United States. In both instances, militia organisations are formed against the minority groups in an effort to maintain the status quo. The negative attitude towards Jews left no room for tolerance, which saw residents attached for their religious beliefs. This is no different in Miller’s book when alliances are forged against Jews ‘elements’ in the Focus neighbourhood. Similarly, the Ku Klux Klan conspires against the black community and other minority groups as it opposes proposed changes in the social order (Foner, 2012). The civil rights movement had received support in recent years from the president through the civil rights bill, which among other things abolished laws by Jim Clow. Social institutions such as law courts did nothing much to uphold the constitution as it stated. This is highlighted by the numerous counts the institutions ruled against the civil movement despite the available facts. The analysis of these books enriches ones knowledge on the American history as they provide varying perspectives of things as they were. The books also highlight the strides that have been made by generations before their struggles and us for civil rights. It is for these reasons that the freedoms enjoyed in the society should not be taken for granted and therefore, they should be protected jealously at all times. References King, M. & Jackson, J. (2000).Why We Cant Wait, London Signet Books. Foner, E. (2012).Give Me Liberty!: An American History: To 1877. New York: W.W. Norton Read More