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.
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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 …
…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.
