Thursday, October 1, 2009
Reading Response
I believe that this is one of the most powerful documents I've ever read. Almost every line has something in it to discover, something new to learn. You could spend days possibly even weeks analyzing this particular piece of text. Since I only have about three quarters of a page i will just focus on the main points. When he writes about telling his daughter that she cant go to the new amusement park because colored children wern't allowed. Or when his son asks why white people are so mean to the colored people. If even a five year old as young and usually nieve as they are to the world can see the terrible things that are happening. It makes me feel very guilty as a white man to think that some of my ancestors may have been one of those people that was totally ignorant and racist. I think he is an amazing person for never being deturred away from the peaceful movement. He never turned to a Malcolm X style of black rights, which was kill anyone who gets in the way of black power. No matter who put him down or what situation he never preached anything but to be peaceful in every situation but still demand respect as a cultural movement. He knows his audience of fellow clergymen because many times throughout the letter he makes biblical references and many historical references as well. His knowledge of the world and the bible was very impressive and it seemed like every reference he made was powerful and was to the point. Thats what was so surprising to me that it seemed like every reference he made was without any form of reference material. Even in prison as mentally and emotionally draining as that would be he still had the emotion and reasoning skills of a great leader. I just can' t fathom the treachery he went through that even jail would not waver your spirit. I respect this man so very much he is one of my all time great heroes. I think what he did is one of the greatest cultural and social victories ever considering the obstacles he had to overcome.
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I agree with everything in your reading response, i'm eager to read the paper you write that stems from these discussions we've had. You touched on nearly everything we discussed about MLK's letter, which is impressive. :)
ReplyDeleteConnor this response made me realize something about both Matin Luther King and Malcom X. I belive that what MLK tried to accomplish through his peace talks and actions, led Malcom X to find a way to have MLK's voice heard throughout the American people. He was a radical that belived in black power and justice. But how can that solve a problem. I think he didn't contribute to MLK's dream to solve racial inequality. But you made some great points on how powerful their voice was.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that you contrasted MLK Jr. to someone else who was striving for the same goal but going about it with a different technique. It seems that you favor the non-violent aspects of how MLK went about obtaining the things he wanted, is this true? Are there things about Malcolm X that you like as well?
ReplyDeleteThe one negative aspect about your reflection is that I think that you are crediting a entire race to the doings of what was common back before segregation was ended though. you have to be proud of the white people who did stand up for the "colored" because I believe that had you been born back then, you might have stood against the social norm.
I personally enjoyed the comments about how he wouldn't endured prison and trying to maintain a peaceful nature. It makes me consider how many drafts he might have had before this final letter, and how they might have been a little more malice filled.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think that if one feels guilty still for the crimes their ancestors have done, maybe they should speak up for some of the opression that is in our society today. A good way to honor the struggle of others is keeping he problem from happening again.