Last Blog Final

Ana Tejada

12/14/2011

Final Exam

            During the semester we have learn about how language can be used to as affirming or denying human right and How it connects to any piece of writing or ideas. Learning about Martin Luther King Jr. ideas about nonviolence in our class we have come across the power that language has to persuade or change the mind of others. Throughout Dr. King career he uses many tactics to come into the people’s heart and make a valuable point to those who listen to his speeches. At first it was more than noticeable that many African American weren’t buying Dr. Kings idea of nonviolence because of all the suffering and abuse they’ve been through with whites. The mean of violence was the solution for many. One of Kings major idea of nonviolence was Agape, Agape was introduced as the kind of love that does not hurt, al thought others may use the mean of violence to hurt you, you must love them the way God loves you. Another idea I would like to connect in my blog is how human right in today society is not valuable for many people. To elaborate more on the language of human I would use evidence from the book “A Testament of Hope” by Martin Luther King Jr. and “Southern Horror and other writings” by Jacqueline Royce.   

            Even thought it was difficult to get into the peoples heart Dr. King idea of nonviolence was a success during the years of 1950’s and 1960’s, he uses the theory of nonviolence to stop segregation and discrimination. In the book “A Testament of Hope” by Martin Luther King Jr, in one of his piece of writing “the Most Durable Power” he goes into the strategy of “do not defeat or humiliate the opponent” this is important because Dr. king shows that he did not believe in violence and under any circumstance he believed in nonviolence. Instead of hurting and fighting back you must be the bigger person and walk away under any suffering. He was a big believe in Christianity, love the way God loves you. Agape was a way to demonstrate the kind of loved he believe in. Also the tactic that Dr. King uses in his speeches was very effective. He uses the language to send out the message to the people. With the tone of voice, the gestures and confidence he used in his speeches he bought the people heart. In the youtube video we watched in class “How Long? Not Long” Kings shows how powerful the use of language is to send out a message. As said the people weren’t obtaining the tactic of nonviolence but throughout his speech we have seen how the people ended up cheering and clapping of joy. The language of human right work in a very effective way for King and his speeches. He had managed to have the people repeat after him and full of happiness.

            The second idea I would like to connect is the way we are living in today society. We all as human are born with human rights but throughout the years the right of no discrimination is still being used. Going back to time during the Civil War we can connect that discrimination over another race has not stopped. After the Civil War white supremacy was used against African American it was the act of one race feeling superior over another. Because the white can no longer have access to African American they practice lynching a racial terror. During this time lynching, was a harsh reality for former slaves in the south, it’s the practice whereby a mob and usually several of hundred whites takes the law into its own hands in order to punish and kill African American. Although the brutal act committed by one race on another the lynching was not stopped. In the book "Southern Horror and other Writings", edited by Jacqueline Jones Royster with text introduced Ida B. Wells, 1892-1900. Ida B. Wells is an African American women journalist, public speaker, she show us the brutal act committed during that time against black. It is well known how the times haven’t change from back in the days and today. During the Reconstruction many people suffer and got hurt and were discriminated because of the race. Now looking at today society the discrimination against race or ethnicity have not stopped many people from all over the world continue to live with this unkind mean. We can see this being used in work place, or if someone is different, sexual harassment many others. It is not okay for one race to feel superior over another everyone should have the same equal rights since they are born.    

            Connecting this idea human right I would like to discuss that America was once known as a melting pot where people of different sexes, races and religions were brought together to be melded into one. It was okay to be different, and you would be accepted no matter who you were or what you wore. Now, the American people like to believe that they have eliminated all forms of racial discrimination and are in fact genuinely surprised when incidents arise that prove them wrong. Sadly, the era of tolerance and acceptance has perished. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” This means that through great strength and courage great achievements can be met. Many citizens today still struggle to overcome adversity and mockery. There have been countless efforts to achieve over these discriminatory acts to eradicate the unjust assumptions that take place. They have opened doors to new prospects and have inspired others to fight for what they believe. Many individuals do not realize that they can make a difference and wait for others to solve issues. Each person should take initiative to do what is right while in fact those others are relying on someone else. If each person takes the initiative to do what is right and take action, then those people will eventually join band together and make the difference as a whole. To accomplish this, risks must be taken and everyone must collectively work towards an effective change.