Before I say anything about Martin Luther King Jr.'s ethics, I have to say one thing. GO READ THIS BOOK. Honestly. It is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Ever. This man and the effects he had were, and are amazing.
Anyway. Continuing on...
This week's chapters covered the Montgomery Movement; a mass boycott of Montgomery buses to protest the segregated bus seats. Within these chapters, there is a strong representation of King's personal morals. It was very clear to me that two main parts of his code of ethics are non-violence, and the value of family. Non-violent resistance was a key philosophy of King's, and he learned it from Mahatma Gandhi. (Not directly, I think, but I'm not positive). King implanted this philosophy within the movement he led in Montgomery. Through his speeches, he then implanted it in the people of Montgomery. He believed it was the best tool, morally, to attain a 'victory.' Of this method, King said, "It also provided a method for Negroes to struggle to secure moral ends through moral means. Thus, it provided a creative force through which men could channel their discontent" (99).
King's other main personal moral concern was his family. An entire chapter is devoted to his wife, Coretta Scott King. He repeats how important she is to him, how much she supports him, and how understanding and patient she is. King also talks about his love for his first daughter, affectionately nicknamed Yoki. He discusses his parents as well, and the hard times they went through when they knew their son was in danger during the protest. Although he chose to go against his parents' will and go forth with the protest no matter the potential harm to himself, King made it clear that this did not mean he didn't value their opinions. King expresses this internal struggle when he says, "No one can understand my conflict who has not looked into the eyes of those he loves, knowing that he has no alternative but to take a dangerous stand that leaves them tormented" (85).
By the end of these chapters, the boycott is victorious. King is among the first to ride a desegregated bus, and he sits next to a white, southern-born minister. It is an incredible moment.
Now really, go read this book. I wasn't kidding.
King, Martin Luther. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Ed. Clayborne Carson. New York: Warner, 1998
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1 comment:
*smiles* Love the recommendations! Anyway, funny, clear, like how what you want to say is divided into two parts with clear examples. The reference to Gandhi was amusing-- an inference, not worship, thank you very much-- and this whole thing just rings with voice. The definition of 'victory' is very nicely presented, and such small, specific examples add to the charm. Ah, I remember why I was confused when I first read this-- you didn't include your own opinion. Then again, rereading Mrs. Froehlich's post, you didn't need to. Still, adds a light-hearted quality I definitely enjoy... ps heehee! This machine made me enter 'beanyawl' as a word verification!
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