Having Monday off was terrific. In fact, we should have three-day weekends all the time. Ball State University should just cancel Monday classes for good. By the way, did anybody catch why we had the day off? Wasn't it was because of that Martin Luther guy? Not the Lutheran who posted his 95 Theses on a church door, but the black guy.
Do we really know why we recognize the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.? He was the symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and dedicated his whole life to achieving equality for everybody. King did face an enormous uphill battle against years of racist tradition upheld by the status quo.
But then again, it's probably just one of those politically correct things the United States does to appease blacks. He didn't play an influential role in bringing an end to an era dominated by Jim Crow laws, right?
The truth is that King is the most influential character of the latter half of the 20th century in American history. His writings and speeches changed the way America viewed race relations. In fact, his underlying message of challenging the status quo is extremely relevant to the current race for the White House.
Oh, and being politically correct is simply treating everybody with the respect they deserve.
Barack Obama, a 2008 Democratic primary presidential nominee, has attempted to position himself as a candidate of change throughout the election process. He has tried to become the face of progressive America, representing the desperate change this country needs. Obama's Web site says, "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington ... I'm asking you to believe in yours." Essentially, he is using the same rhetoric King employed during his time.
There are evident problems within America including health care, education, illegal immigration, the economy, etc. Nothing seems to be improving. There hasn't been a legitimate health care reform to help all citizens. America's schools are being forced to meet high standards without the proper resources. Every day people cross the border searching for a better life, and because of a broken system they are called illegal. The economy is on the verge of a recession due to reckless economic policies. Nothing has changed as these problems continue to exist.
Oh, I almost forgot about the war in Iraq.
Change is the word every Republican and Democratic presidential candidate is uttering because it's the truth. America's next president must work toward the future instead of maintaining the status quo.
During King's time, he argued for the end of racial segregation. Throughout his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," King talks about the need for change, his overall disappointment with the white moderate and how religion helps maintain the status quo. He says, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." Though he is specifically talking about race relations in Birmingham, these universal words can be applied to America's current situation. This country is at a decisive turning point, which ultimately will determine its path for years to come.
King dedicated his entire life to changing the landscape of America. Though King's life was cut short, his message of change will always influence and inspire future generations to expect the human rights everybody deserves.
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