On Monday, January 21 we are remembering the life and
teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the United States. While we each may enjoy a day off of school,
we do not want to lose the purpose of commemorating his life and his impact on
the United States and the world by taking the day for granted.
Martin Luther was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son, grandson, and great grandson
of Baptist ministers. While he initially
was reluctant to accept his inherited occupation, during his time at Morehouse
College, Dr. King began to learn how to use his devout Christian beliefs and
his natural ability to gather people to promote the ideas of social change.
As his life continued, he actively engaged in the promoting
the civil rights of African Americans and the social changes so long
overdue. While the civil war ended
nearly 100 years prior to Dr. King, it was not until the 1960’s that America
began to recognize the equality of African Americans.
The teachings of Martin Luther King are as relevant today as
they were 40 years ago. Even though we
have taken great strides as a country, we still hear and see acts of prejudice
and bigotry in our society. While we
strive for equality and tolerance, we know there is still hate in the
world. Dr. King would encourage us to
seek out acts of hate and intolerance in the world and find peaceful solutions
to promote the human spirit.
In addition to Monday being a day for remembrance, it should
also be a day of action. A day dedicated
to doing something to promote humanity and discourage intolerance.
The following is a link to the King Center. The website includes many interesting and
thought provoking ideas, including a biography of Dr. King and the history of
the holiday.
What do you think Dr. King would think of our world today
and the changes the country has undergone?
Can you think of situations in our world today where intolerance and
prejudice exist? What actions are you
willing to take to promote the human spirit and the ideas of tolerance,
acceptance and forgiveness?
Nikita- I think Martin Jr. would think that we've come a long way....but that we still have a long way to go. I mean, we still have slaves and are still prejudice, just not as much. I the East/South, people celebrate Robert E. Lee Day instead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I'd say thats still a little prejudice. I would be willing to stand up for black people and any others who are still to this day looked down upon. I guess I could probably try to promote a world un-prejudice through things like twitter and facebook.
ReplyDeletesorry, its just supposed to be The East... without the i in front
DeleteTomas-I bet he would be happy for the people that there is no longer segregation. Maybe people would say that he had done all of this, or at least the inspiration for this and he would be proud of himself. In Africa there are many civil wars because there are cultures that dont get along with each other and hate each other. So those religions would have war. Maybe i will try to help the countries in Africa make peace with each other so people will accept the fact that they can have different land forgive each other and make peace!
ReplyDeleteThomas- I think he would think it has gotten a lot better and that he would be proud that a lot of people are no longer prejudice against blacks. There are definitely people that are prejudice against religions like Mormons and there is still some racism against blacks, unfortunately. I always will stand up for people who are unfairly judged, like blacks, Mormons, and lots others.
ReplyDeleteGrace-I think Dr. King would be proud of everything he did to change the U.S. and how he helped us realize that racism and segregation is wrong. In Boise, I have never seen any racism or segregation. Prejudice still exists in other forms though. For example, in many states you are not allowed to have a gay marriage. I think it would be fun to make a bunch of signs that "promote the human spirit" and then hang them in public places like libraries or the mall. Then people can see how important it is to be equal and to not be prejudice. If I could find a really powerful quote or something then it might actually make people think twice about how they treat others.
ReplyDeleteAdriana: I think that Dr. King would be very proud of us today and he wasn't assassinated for nothing that his standing up changed history making it a better place for not just black people but for everyone. have never witnessed prejudice or racism in Boise but I do know that in the East you don't celebrate martin Luther King Jr. but you celebrate Robert E. Lee day so guess you could say there is prejudice there. I am also away that in some states you are not allowed to have a gay marriage. I think that if you could teach the younger children about how to play well with others and its not nice to exclude someone while there brains are still young then they would know not to be rude to anyone cause they were taught as a child that if you were mean to someone then you would go sit in time out or you would get no snack etc. So as they get older they could teach the generation to come which would just eradicate prejudice and racism forever!!! Well maybe not that extreme, but there is always some hope.
ReplyDeletePetie-I think that Martin Luther King Jr. would be proud, proud of the fact that we have been able to keep advancing towards full human rights, that we have a black president, and that we could still be strong towards what he preached. He would also be amazed at how accepting we are, even though we completely got the rights in the 60's. There is still much prejudice today, including prejudice towards blacks. There is also a major prejudice out there towards gays and mentally handicapped. I would just try to get the word out there that in the end everybody is the same, and that you could be in that situation too. Hopefully that would create less prejudice. we could also have reaaaaaallllly big pasta festas where everyone could meet and be all like "I was so wrong!". Peace!
ReplyDeleteReed- I think he would be proud of our country. Although we have issues somehow we fix them by working together. He would be amazed in the fact that we almost except every nationality. It doesn't matter if you are white, black or even poka dots. We are all the same!!! There are still people out there who do not like the idea of sharing with someone different than them. Thats why we just need to show them our way so they can join us in our mission to stop all the prejudice people in the world. Someday i know that we are going to have a non-prejuduce world. If we all join together then we can make that dream of ours... Come true.
ReplyDeleteRyan- I think he would be happy about what he did for our country. He would know he died for a change. I think there is a lot of prejudice in the gay marriage department. It seems that even when people think they aren't prejudice the are. All they need to do is look at the person and think ' Do I have the right to judge this person?'
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would be brave enough to do what marten Luther King did, but I would participate in a group or with a organization.
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DeleteAndoni-I think that Dr.King would be proud to see how far our country has come in respect to racial prejudice. He would be proud to see that we have elected the first ever black president of the United States. Although there are still signs of racism there are the 500 other people who step in and show that racism will not be tolerated. He is the reason why this country has seen so much change. there are still cases of racism in our country to this day. For example, kids are making fun of other because of their Mexican heritage. People tell jokes that should not be said. The best way to lead is by action, so i will stand up and make sure that nothing like that will go down while i'm around
ReplyDeleteLuke- In my opinion, I think Dr. King would be pleased by seeing our society today. America has taken a big leap when it comes to racial prejudice. There are no assigned drinking fountains or schools for blacks and whites. And as we all know, Barack Obama, The President of the United States, is afican american. Even thought we have gotten so far, there is still racism in our country along with other things such judging someone by their religion, family, where they come from, or anything about his or her culture. Also, the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) the group that is probably at the top of that list, is still alive today. I dont know what actions to take that nobody has done already. Those topics are talked about so much today that everyone knows about it. Some people just refuse to listen.
ReplyDeleteKeelie: I think martin Luther king would be extremely happy. I bet he is, too. Wherever he is. All of his hard work paid off. We have Obama for president, and he is being inaugurated today. My mom told me to watch after I do my blog homework. Yes, I do think all of that exists still. Examples are the internet where they make fun of people on Maury. It’s not only white people who are racist, too. I don’t think prejudice or intolerance will ever go away, too. It’s a part of being human, even if it is horrible. No matter how hard society tries there will always be those people who are ignorant and senseless. I am willing to do anything for the good of others. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true. It makes me feel good helping others, even if I feed my cat her meows let me know I am appreciated. I want to do a lot of things for my community. But that’s hard because of my age and stuff, but I’ll still try. FOR HONOR.
ReplyDeleteI think Dr. King would be really proud. Not only that but I think he would be surprised at the impact he made. I am half African American and if it weren’t for Martin Luther King Jr. than I probably wouldn’t be here today. Because of him I am aloud to have amazing friends no matter what race they are. I also think he would be very happy to see the statue of him. I think black are still being treated unfairly in the south. (Not nearly as much though) When I went down to South Carolina I remember seeing people selling Confederate flags. This made me very disappointed that our country is still not clean of discrimination. I also think people are starting to judge the Mexican race and gays. My family and I do many things to support the Martin Luther King Jr. My cousin, one day, took a poster and wrote, “why cant blacks and whites just be friends?” And she ended up being in the newspaper.
ReplyDeletethis is lauryn hodge by the way
Deletejustin- I think that Martin Luther would be happy about what we have done to stop racism in this country. Yes I can think of the Klu Klux Klan which still exists today. I would be willing to stand up for any person that is being hated because of their race, religion, or ethnic group.
ReplyDeleteRylie: I think he would be proud of our country today. We have gone far in our equality. The changes our country has undergone, only makes us stronger. But, it kind of makes me sad that people had to die, so we could see just how selfish we have ALL been. Did we need peoples’ lives gone, so we could change? I think we did, because without Dr. King, I do not think we would be the same country we are today. But, also we have more slaves than even be for the Civil War. That makes me wonder. Most of the news articles I have seen are of foreigners who own slaves. Not much from the U.S. I would go right to where it is injustice is happening and fix it. It is not far to OWN another human being. That is just plain disgusting. I am more of a take action person. I do not like slavery or inequality. God made us all equal, why can’t people understand?
ReplyDeleteMartin would be glad that his plan worked, yet would be shocked if he went to a place like downtown detroit. yes the country has gotten better over all, but we still cannot ignore the fact that most of the world hates us because people like lil' wayne, niki minaj, the crips, other gangsters and most frat houses. and for me personally, i try to just base on the way the person acts; if you are as dumb and as interesting as a wet bathmat, i'm going to feel sorry for you yet be repulsed by the way you act, but if you are nice, modest, smart, and have some standards, it doesn't matter if you are black, white, aisan, arab, a hipster, ku klux klan member, mormon, atheist, neuronazi, swagger, gay, whatever you are, i'll treat you the same way as anyone else.
ReplyDeletesean
Nathaniel- Dr. Martin Luther King would certainly be proud of the progress we've made against racism. Although it may seem that racism is not there, it still is occurring in places around the country. Lots of people still are also crossing lines against religions, other countries, and also gay marriages. I really see no point in any of this, why not just leave other people alone, if you don't know what they are like? Some people think a religion may be bad because ONE terrorist may do something bad. Just because that happens, it doesn't mean you have the right to destroy that whole religion! Some of these people may be the world's next Einsteins! I would personally send the message starting through the internet and other electronics. The reason for THIS is because this may be the fastest way to spread the message. After this I would make a video showing the struggles that many other people undergo and spread that across the television/internet. No matter what I could do though, there is no way of stopping inequality/prejudice. Once it gets into a country, it starts getting stronger. You can control it at some points, but you can never get rid of it.
ReplyDeleteBailie- I think that Dr. King would be proud with our world and its changes today because people are less racist than they used to be. I think that intolerance and prejudice might exist in jobs because some people might choose a white person over a black person. I am willing to do anything in my power to promote the human spirit and the ideas of tolerance, acceptance, and forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteSarah - I think he would appreciate the progress this country has made. Even though racism still exists, it is not as big of a problem as it used to be. A good example of prejudice today is women's rights. Women are not seen as equal to men in today's world and it is a problem we should focus on fixing. I would help them and not judge people based on what they look like or seem like. I would be fair to everyone and I would not treat people with prejudice.
ReplyDeleteJohn-I think that Dr.King would be proud of the changes we have made in our country and that we are no longer prejudice to the black people in our country. he is proud of himself for leting people know that everyone is equal and no one is higher or better then one another and it dosn't matter what color you are. There are a lot of prejudice people still in our world that do some terribl things for example some country's still have slaves and they do some terrible stuff to them that should not happen. I am willing to help the people who are still prejudice now that they shouldn't be and tell them everyone is equal know matter what color you are and ect. and tell them everyone is different and they have their own cool stuff about them.
ReplyDeleteLiam~ I think that Martin Luther King Jr. would be very proud of the world today. I think that he would know that he accomplished his mission of making everyone equal. It is sad to see though groups like the KKK who still hate others and have not learned acceptance. Ways that we can learn acceptance are learning that everyone is different, and we have to realize that everyone is the same on the inside.
ReplyDeleteSydney- I think that Martin Luther King Jr would be very proud of how we allow diversity now in this world. He really made it clear that what we were doing to these people was not acceptable. There are some states that are still very rude and mean to blacks. There are places everywhere around the world. Like a lot of other people said, the KKK is an example of those people. I am willing to do anything to make equal rights. We really need to learn how to accept people and know that they are just like us.
ReplyDeleteRaquel- Dr.king would be very proud and stunned that finally we could come together as sisters and brothers to live in harmony.i know that people still decide to discriminate others on their skin color but the truth is that in the end we all will be bones and when think about that it means why were we hating all these years when we were all the same. Eyes,a mouth, a nose teeth all of us have these given by god why should we base them on their skin color. Its hard to see the smallest things being said about each other when were in lets say a line to buy groceries.I say equal rights for everyone there is no difference.
ReplyDeleteWes- I think Dr. King would be happy of how he made a difference and made each of us equals. Now it is hard to see any people that are prejudice against African Americans and that makes me happy to see how we have joined together as a family. I guess I would try to promote peace between us and anyone that is still prejudice out there.
ReplyDeleteLily- I think that Martin Jr. would be proud of what we have accomplished and how far we have come. We still have slaves today and we also have prejudice, but not as much. Martin really showed how unecceptable it was to be doing such things to people. Many people are very abrasive towards black people, and the KKK is an example of them. I would be willing to do anything I could to try to make equal rights. People need to learn and respect one another as who they are.
ReplyDeleteMegan- I do this M.L.K. would be proud of us. We have stopped this discrimination for the most part of African Americans. They have just the the same amount of right to be here as we do. But we still have prejudice in our society today. An example is the separation of Islamic and Catholic. We have always been budding heads, like 9/11. I think if we just stop looking at each others' features we don't like, we could stop all this hate. I think we should have a program in each big- imagration cities were new families join with locals. This would really help.
ReplyDeleteTodd-I would like to think that we have come a long way since the days of Dr. King. He would be very proud to see how we have changed for the better. I do feel that we sometimes can see prejudice in different types of situations. But who would of imagined we could have a Black president elected for the 2nd time. We can only hope that our future will bring us many more good comings. We need to be tolerant not just of race but of gender also.
ReplyDeleteIsabel- I do not think Dr. King would be "proud" of our country. I think he may be proud of the individuals in our country for making the choice against racism, but how can he really be proud when we haven't reached his metaphoric mountain yet? What I mean is to you and me we might think our country is predjeduce free, when really just because you don't see it in front of the mall doesn't mean it's not on the streets. Our country has come a long way, but right now if Dr. King where to see this, he would see a C+ on our progress report. He might be happy but there's still a lot of room for improvment. I have been in many situations where I have seen people mistreat each other because of their race but I do think the people of the US are ready for the next step in acceptence.
ReplyDeleteNate- I think that Dr. King would be very proud of what our country is today. He would probably realize that all that he worked and sacrificed for had not been in vain, and that so many years later, prejudice against black people is almost extinct. However, racial hate still exists in some places. Not too long ago we had a group of racially intolerant people settle in Idaho. In the south, there are still discriminating people who hate not only blacks, but all races. As far as supporting peace among people, I am willing to step into situations that seem racist, but putting my life on the line like Martin Luther King Jr. would be something that I don't think that I could do. King's willing self-sacrifice for the good of others is heroic, and that is why he is still remembered for his deeds.
ReplyDeleteClaire-I think that Dr.King would be proud of what our country is today because we have a black president and that is definitely a lot of progress.I have never seen racism or prejudice hear in Idaho but I do know that it still exist in other places like I know that in the east people celebrate Robert E. Lee day instead of Martin Luther King jr. day witch is a little prejudice .I know that every one should be treated the same because those words are spread around almost every where witch is a good thing. So over all I think we have come a long way.
ReplyDeleteNekane-I think he would be very pleased with it for as far as i know i think that it is a very good thing that slavery ended and people agree that it is bad. Well whenever i really think of people that are predjuduce i think of the south. What would i do for forgiveness and spirit well i would really try everything possible for someone to be forgiven.
ReplyDeleteLiza- I think Dr. King would be proud. We've come a long way. He would be proud that black people could vote, go to the same schools, the same drinking fountains, even the same bathrooms. It makes me proud that Americans can figure out why prejudice can be a huge problem. I think people today have a lot of hate towards the gay people, the mentally disabled, those who are overweight, and people who get pregnant as a teenager. I think we can use the people who hate the gays and teach future generations tolerance. We can teach them that it's okay of your mentally challenged. You'r still a person and deserve to be treated as such. We can teach them that even if your overweight, you don't have to be skinny to be pretty and you should just love yourself for who you are. We can teach them that you should just be polite to people who've made bad choices in their life. They might need all the support that they can get.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- I think that Dr. King would be proud of how far we've come as a country. Prejudice still exist towards gay people, and the overweight. To get rid of prejudice in the world is an impossible task. No matter what you do, someone somewhere will still judge people on their weight. We could help by trying to promote a message of an accepting society, so those who are judged could fit in, instead of being excluded.
ReplyDelete