The American dream in Martin L King and Elizabeth C Stanton - Essay Example

“The American dream” in Martin Luther King and Elizabeth Cady Stanton Introduction The perception of ‘American dream’ in Martin Luther King Jr’s “IHave a Dream” and Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" permits the reader to discuss about the socio-politic features of the United States. Many have used the term ‘American Dream’ in different ways and it facilitates the nation’s potential. The idea suggests that all the people who lived in America have the ability to succeed through hard work and they have the potential to lead successful life. King’s work is developed and presented the concept of ‘American Dream’ through concentrating the issue of racial discrimination, while Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" explored ‘the American Dream’ through concentrating the problem of women’s rights. Both King and Stanton use figurative language and present their ideas with the help of historical allusions and images. As an eminent literary element, both Martin Luther King Jr and Elizabeth Cady Stanton present the theme of ‘the American Dream’ in their works with different perspectives. Martin Luther King Jr’s speech “I Have a Dream” directly referred the concept of ‘American Dream’ and he motivated the people through mentioning their dignity and discipline. King’s words provide evidence to be a benchmark for comprehending the social, cultural and political disturbance of the time and provided a notion to reveal what was happening. In the second half of his work, King specifically mentioned his dream about the United States. At this juncture, He used the term ‘future of racial harmony and integration’ which gives some hits about the ‘American Dream.’ The creative ability of American people in promoting fraternity and equality is explored following words; “We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline” (Nordquist). Analysing King’s words, reader can easily find that Americans have the ability to triumph over all its adversities and turmoil. In his work, Martin Luther King Jr mentioned that one day the nation will rise up and live out the real meaning of its dogma. The doctrine of ‘the American Dream’ is related with its people’s dignity, hardworking nature and discipline. So, King’s words underlined their national identity through remarking “every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, and rough places will be made plains, and the crooked places will be made straight” (presentationmagazine.com.). These words clearly highlight the achievements that America attained in various fields such as industrial growth, economic stability, scientific developments and political supremacy. Critics and scholars have argued that King’s words not only concentrated the issue of racial discrimination in the United States, but also its potential, nationalism and integrity. As James Echolas comments, “If America is to be a racially just nation, King’s vision must be normative for every political plat form and public policy agenda throughout the nation” (Echols 1). King’s statements about national integrity need of industrial development, and financial stability provided great inspiration for politicians as well as bureaucrats. King’s entire work facilitates the doctrine of ‘the American Dream’ and his thoughts expressed the capability of the nation in establishing welfare programs and policy making. Similarly, King’s comments about American cities emphasise the hardworking nature of American people. It also point out that one day American cities will be transformed in to the oasis of freedom and justice. Critics have identified his work as a perfect piece of poetry which is decorated with Biblical allusions and imagery. Like Martin Luther King Jr, Elizabeth Cady Stanton has also made some remarkable efforts to enhance ‘the American Dream’ with the background of Women’s rights in her work "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions". Author describes the issue of gender inequality among the women folk and he presented the issue as a universal concern. In her work, Elizabeth Cady Stanton demands the need of a well organized, efficient and powerful government to overcome the issues related with women’s rights. Based on the Declaration of Independence, author demands equality and freedom with men before law, education and employment opportunities. It is crystal clear that Elizabeth had kept a strong belief that the elective members of the American government can ensure women’s rights and equality. In addition, author expected that a nation having gender equality can construct social, economic and political development. Stanton’s words clearly underline women’s right to engage politics and they also give some hints about the formation of a new governing system which provide foundation for women’s rights. Author states that “Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness” (Nordquist, Declaration). Her words indicate the fact that like men, women have the right to lead a successful and happy life. She looks forward the formation of a nation where men and women treated with similar ways. Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" gives some realistic picture about the submissive life of women folk. During the time of American Revolution, women had faced severe identity crisis. The male dominating society never permits her to practice the inalienable rights and men made her morally irresponsible and passive. Author expects a change from the above mentioned issues and she thinks that Americans have the potential to ensure women’s rights. Like Martin Luther King Jr., Stanton also thinks about remarkable developments which marked in the social, economic and political history of the United States. Women’s right to vote in the United States paved the way for some significant changes among the international community. Author remembers that Americans have the insight to establish these kinds of amendment in constitution and she also treated it as the reflection of ‘American Dream’. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that both Martin Luther King Jr and Elizabeth Cady Stanton propose the idea of ‘American Dream’ in their works. In his work, Martin Luther King Jr. explores the dignity and discipline of American people in making a developed nation with sufficient growth in social, economic and political fields. Author clearly remarks that Americans have the ability and potential to overcome its adversities through the formation of a powerful government. Elizabeth Cady Stanton also mentioned the formation of a new governing system which ensures gender equality and freedom. Both Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” and Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" present the image of a successful nation which captured the attention of international community. Works cited Nordquist, R. I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr. About.com. 2011. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. http://grammar.about.com/od/classicessays/a/dreamspeech.htm Nordquist, R. Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. About.com. 2011. 22 Nov. 2011. http://grammar.about.com/od/classicessays/a/sentresolutions.htm presentationmagazine.com. Analysis of Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech. presentationmagazine.com. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. http://www.presentationmagazine.com/analysis-of-martin-luther-kings-i-have-a-dream-speech-8059.htm Read More