General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMLK on civil disobedience, protesting, social movements... and the reactions they provoke
I posted this as a response in another thread, and was asked to use these quotes for an OP. MLK can say it better than any, so I'll just let his words speak for themselves.
Now I wanted to say something about the fact that we have lived over these last two or three summers with agony and we have seen our cities going up in flames. And I would be the first to say that I am still committed to militant, powerful, massive, non-violence as the most potent weapon in grappling with the problem from a direct action point of view. Im absolutely convinced that a riot merely intensifies the fears of the white community while relieving the guilt. And I feel that we must always work with an effective, powerful weapon and method that brings about tangible results. But it is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society. These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention. And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the negro poor has worsened over the last twelve or fifteen years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice and humanity.
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stone space
(6,498 posts)BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)We need to understand and have a discussion about how to SUPPORT protestors instead of dragging them down. There is much hatred and derision for movements like OWS and Anonymous on DU (revealing just how conservative "The Underground" truly is.) Now we see the same hatred directed towards protestors who are tying to bring justice to dead black men and children. It show just how comfy and scared people are to change the system, which desperately needs to be changed.
Those of us who can't buy a politician have no other option other than to shout. I don't think the scolders will stop anyone from protesting, but I do wish they would educate themselves.
boston bean
(36,221 posts)BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)I think this discussion is so important because people might not be aware of their casual racism, their selfish criticism, their utter ignorance when it comes to tearing down protestors. I do believe that if you're not in the street, you have no right to criticize, but that is my humble opinion.
This country needs change, A LOT of it. We've been waiting for the populace to get involved, to become active citizens. Civil disobedience it the highest form of civil participation. What on earth is there to criticize? People are marching for justice and fairness for all of us. But they're blocking traffic so shame on them? Seriously????
malokvale77
(4,879 posts)The idea of being with you...until you inconvenience me? What a load of crap.
BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)It has been used against everyone, from women's to LGBTQ movements, all races, all ideas. It is nothing but self-centered, narcissistic bullshit.
RedCappedBandit
(5,514 posts)It would certainly be interesting to get a broader perspective on how people react to the ideas he presents through this quotes..
Hopefully will get some responses. Would love to hear what people think.
BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)It's just that those that don't are rather vocal and annoying.
malokvale77
(4,879 posts)That's a rather mild description of their behavior. I'm not sure I would be so kind.
BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)But I guess it's better to know the work that needs to be done. But I'm so disgusted with them, I try to ignore them.
malokvale77
(4,879 posts)but I never ignore their existence.
G_j
(40,367 posts)one the greatest Americans ..ever!
Howler
(4,225 posts)Amen!
countryjake
(8,554 posts)liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)Often we don't like to listen to truth because it catches us all in our wrong doings. We just love to point at the other person and tell them what they are doing wrong. But do we ever, ever point that finger inward and tell ourselves what we are doing wrong?