Summary
In the reading, “I Have a Dream,” Martin Luther King Jr. holds a firm stand against the American black people's discrimination and presents their relentless quest for justice and liberation. In the speech, he addresses a multitude of peaceful protestants in Washington. He evokes the racial prejudice and injustice faced by the black Americans despite the Emancipation Proclamation act promulgated five years back . He further condones the constitution's violation, which rightfully guarantees racial equality, justice, inclusion, and freedom for all the American people. He illustrates how the African-Americans are discriminated against, treated with injustice, prejudice and denied basic rights like the right to freedom of speech and the right to voting by whites. Subsequently, he remarks on their dire need to get their freedom and democracy.
He assures the protestant that the quest for justice will not stop until the black people are granted their citizenship rights and equality are restored. He, however, urges his people to avoid using violence or hatred against the white people. He propounds that the process of restoring equality and justice requires the collective efforts of both the black and the white people. Following his call for unity, he encourages the people to persevere the myriad of sufferings, like police brutality and persecution in jail cells. He reassures them of the hope that their suffering will end and that they should not despair. In Dr. King's conclusion, he shares his dreams for a better future filled with tranquility, unity, and justice for all the American people. He repeats the phrase “I have a dream” alongside his visions for the great American future nine times successively. In the texts, also he uses several Bible quotations and imagery to portray the hope that he holds for a better and united American nation. His writing suffices with the need for freedom, national unity, and justice for everyone.
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Reflection
One of my reactions to the “Dream” speech writing is how the author offered the past and the present suffering of the African American people and the aspirations that he gives that surprisingly are yet a major challenge in our present society. For example, he describes the prejudice against the black by the police, which openly prevails up to date long after his death. In the most recent case, George Floyd, an African American, was murdered by a white police officer in the act of brutality. The massive demonstrations conducted globally to end the war against police brutality were also consistent with the author's declaration for unrest and struggle until the blacks got justice and equality. His speech was also amazing to read as he applied not only political text in writing but also integrated literary and rhetorical tools as he turned from a thoughtful evaluation of social injustices at the time to a brilliant foresight of hope of a restored future. In the formation of his words, he applies the rhetorical device of repetition, both literally and conceptually, which turns out to make the reading experience captivating and compelling. His speech is an attestation to the ability of well-crafted words and writings to transform difficult situations. I believe in justice and equality, and I am inspired to look up to Martin Luther King Jr.
Discussion Question
What is the American law's role in eliminating racial injustice and promoting inclusion in the nation?
