Martin Luther King

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Martin Luther King's nonviolent message is often misunderstood by those fully embroiled in black politics. It examines how the lenses of faith and love can help us better to understand the message and philosophy of Martin Luther King. The paper also briefly compares and contrasts Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.

Table of Contents:
Why Martin Luther King is Misunderstood
What is Love?
How did Martin Luther King evoke Fear?
How did Martin Luther King transform Society?
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"When one examines Martin Luther King's actions and methods through the lens of love and faith it is easier to understand his philosophy. He was not a complete pacifist as many believe and was appalled at the atrocities that blacks had to endure. He felt that it was acceptable to defend yourself, especially when one's loved ones were threatened. His underlying reason for pursuing his dream was out of love for the black people. His faith gave him the ability to exude a confidence that was transferred to the crowd. It was love and faith that plummeted Mr., King to develop his plan that would help change the image of black Americans. Malcolm X saw the differences that King made with his philosophy based on faith and love,. Martin Luther King's methods taught the world that they could live together in a less colorblind world."

Sample of Sources Used:

• James Cone, Martin and Malcolm in America. New York: Orbis Books, 2006.
• Hall, S. I May Not Get There with You: The True Martin Luther King.. The Western Journal of Black Studies.. Vol. 25. Num. 4. 2001. pp. 240-246.
• King, Martin Luther Jr., Strength to Love. Fortress Press, 1981.
• King, Martin Luther Jr., Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech. Oslo, December 10, 1964. <http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-acceptance.html.> Accessed May 25, 2007.
• King, Martin Luther, Jr., an excerpt from Strike toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. San Francisco: Harper Publishing Co., 1958.

More papers on Martin Luther King:

• Analytical Essay # 95822 : "Martin Luther King in "The Contact Zone "
• Comparison Essay # 71460 : "Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X"
• Essay # 36918 : "Martin Luther King"
• Persuasive Essay # 135385 : "The Importance of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr."

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