I'm not sure how Martin Luther King Jr. would have felt about his birthday becoming a national holiday, but I'm pretty sure he'd be upset that it's celebrated primarily as a black holiday and pretty much ignored or chastised by those of different races or colors.
As a middle-class white guy, I'm privy to the sort of comments other white and hispanic people make about this day. It's hard to tell if they mean anything by it, but you hear comments like "Definitely MY favorite holiday" or "why do we get a day off?" when MLK day is mentioned. Frankly, of all the leaders of nationally prminent movements of the 20th century, I'd have to say that MLK was in my top five. Why do I say that? It's pretty easy. He stood for non-violent protest of social injustice and longed for the day that race, color, creed, etc., would not matter. The only criteria for judging one person over another would be the content of their character. Sadly, MLK never saw it and, again sadly, I have yet to see it in my lifetime.
I DO think we're getting closer to a "color-blind" society, but we're still a long ways away. As long as I hear comments like the ones previously described, we won't be there. Then again, as long as we single out people like Dr. King for holidays, I don't think we'll make it, either. Why? Because Dr. King's accomplishments were in the arena of civil rights, primarily equality for African-Americans. If we celebrate the day and include a host of similar leaders in the celebration of every race and color, then it will be less about African-American rights and more about American equality for all. I think Dr. King would feel better about such a celebration and I think fewer Americans would feel left out if that were the case.
Regardless of perceptions, what MLK stood for was worth celebrating! So, happy MLK day! - Dan
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3 comments:
Happy MLK Day to you too! Sorry I was so tired. It was worth being tired today after staying up half the night talking to you! You are so sweet. I love you! Kim
I STILL like the way you think, Dan. You have a way of cutting through the junk, getting right to the heart of the subject. I so agree with you. Maybe that's why I've become a bit edgy about MLK day. Yesterday the whole news coverage was about BLACK celebrations, not multi-cultural/ethnic/racial celebrations. It would seem,sadly, that MLK's dream has been squelched by an even wider line being drawn in the sand between the races in this country. How sad and quite frankly, how maddening!!!
May we not become color blind, but color aware of the beautiful spectrum that GOD has created, giving us a wealth of nuances. We should be celebrating HIS creation, not trying to limit our appreciation of it, at least imho.
May your day be blessed in the Light of His love, grace and mercy!!
Dan, I just heard the following from the leader of a national interdenominational Christian youth group. Just loved it!
Diversity is the ultimate expression of unity.
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