What is the main purpose of Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream Speech?” Well it depends on whom you ask this question. White people will give a totally different answer than black people. It is a fact of life that the two different races will never see eye to eye. They can interpret the same event in two totally different ways. I believe that both races understand the main points in Mr. King’s speech. They realize that Mr. King emphasized peace, respect, and equality for every human being. The problems between races begin when they begin to interpret Mr. King’s dreams.
In his speech King points out that the Constitution and Declaration of Independence guaranteed all men life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These documents however did not recognize blacks and women. These documents were filled with broken promises and were a waste of paper because the included rights did not apply to every human being. Many revolutionists who wanted to change the two documents were criticized and decided to give up their fight. Martin Luther King, Jr., however, never lost hope of his dream, and he continued to fight for it.
In his speech he urged followers to remain disciplined and to stay away from physical violence. He pointed out that soul force could overcome any kind of physical force. He also believed that white men could be trusted once they realized that their destinies were bound to the black man’s freedom. Mr. King knew that to achieve his goals, his followers would have to unite hands and never walk alone. He also realized that they would have to welcome change and all of the tribulations that came along with it.
Mr. King knew that many changes were going to take place in the lives…
… middle of paper …
…qual and have the same opportunities. They just need to learn how to treat one another. They need to extend the arm of brotherhood and join hands to improve themselves and the world they live in.
Some of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dreams have been realized and achieved, but others have been forgotten. It is the duty of every American to remember his dreams and do his or her best to fulfill them. It will not be an easy task, but Mr. King knew that it would never be easy to achieve all his goals. He fought a long, hard battle to show us how the races should live with one another and how to treat each other with respect. Until every human being applies the truth that is evident in the dream Mr. King had, freedom will never be able to ring from mountainside to mountainside.
Work Cited
Martin Luther King, Jr. The Peaceful Warrior, New York: Pocket Books, 1968.
Waiting on Dr. King’s Dream
Waiting on Dr. King’s Dream
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, “I Have a Dream”, was delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. Dr. King starts his speech by recalling the Emancipation Proclamation which gave hope to those who were bound by slavery. Yet this hope has definitely faded. One hundred years later African Americans are still in captivity. Although slavery does not exist, those of color are bound by the color of their skin. While African Americans are a large part of society, they are pushed to the corners and often feel exiled in their own land. Dr. King speaks of two great documents; the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Each of these documents made wonderful promises for each American. The documents guaranteed the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet instead of honoring these promises, society has failed to allow those of color the same rights as other Americans. While no one should be put down because of the color of his or her skin, no one should be given special privileges either. Race should not be a factor in any matter, especially when speaking of rights. Just because someone is black does not mean that he or she is any less of an American. This is the focus that should be taken when reading Dr. King’s speech.
Dr. King points out that African Americans refuse to believe that there is no justice. The fact that they have been persecuted over and over again, and yet they still believe in justice, is quite impressive. Dr. King places strong urgency on making changes today. For the past one hundred years, society has relied on rights for African Americans to gradually find their place in everyday life. Dr. King says, “Now …
… middle of paper …
…ss, there is still much to be done. Dr. King’s speech is written in such a way that even today society should be inspired to take to heart our own dream. We should look to a day when each person is solely judged by his or her character. We should not wait thirty-five more years for drastic changes to take place. Society should build upon the gains that have been made since Dr. King’s speech. We should feel so positive about our changes that if Dr. King were here today he would applaud the changes that have been made. The main focus in Dr. King’s speech revolves around our nation’s creed. He hopes that one day our nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal” (2).
Works Cited
King, Jr., Martin Luther. “I Have a Dream.” The Peaceful Warrior. Pocket Books. New York. 1968.