USARiseUp

I think that it is great that Martin Luther King has a statue so people can look at it and remember what he did and believe in his dream. Having this Statue placed in the mall i think is merely wrong he should be put in a place where it more appropriate for people to look at and make a difference.

MLK was an amazing person. I believe that all he has done for society was extremely risky and brave to speak against the norm that society once was in. Not a lot of people have the guts to speak up for what they believe in and make such a risk. MLK deserves the new statue of himself and anyone that thinks differently must not want racial equality. One day, I hope that everyone is truly equal to one another.

Dr. King was the most outspoken African American in history. What he did back in the 60's for blacks no other man could compare to today. He has influenced me to get a degree in school and have strong ties to the community. Today who knows were we would be if Dr. King did not due his part in the civil rights movement. To have the opportunity to be in the same classroom as another race is something that was considered wrong to whites. The memorial will represent a man that accomplished a lot in a little time and will encourage people around the world to stand up to world peace.

There have been many instances throughout history that a person stepped forward through the dark choatic mess that was relevant of the time and brought peace, order, and harmony when it was needed most. Martin Luther King, Jr. was that person that stepped forward in a choatic time and brought order to a period of time that needed a strong voice to correct the injustices of the time.

Without the civil right movement that MLK started, could you possibly imagine how the United States and even the rest of the world would appear today? Like many others I cannot perceive what the world would be like or if I would even exist. I only mention this because I have a Caucasian mother and an African-American father and in MLK's time that kind of relationship would have been blastfamy. Even when my parents got together it was still an uneasy situation.

Although it seems as if I am going in a different direction than the post, I am not. I ask, if not challenge, the readers of this blog to try to imagine a possible world without the teaching of Martin Luther King Jr..

Just think of all of the teaching, understanding, ideaology, and practices to demonstrate a cause. If you look deeper into each of those things society learn from Dr. King and the impact it had. Without those teachings the world might still be a very dark unequal world.

Therefore, I believe that the MLK statue is a necessary point in American history that needed to have its own monument within our nation's capital.

i deeply respect Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement. King challenged America's conscience by bringing to light the violent oppression of African Americans while remaining commited to non-violence. In my opinion a the statue of King at the national Memorial Wall in Washington is fitting for a true martyr of one of the most important causes in the 20th century. It would be unfair however to exclusively credit King while many other civil rights activist fought and died for the freedoms which we enjoy today.

However, kings deep commitment to non-violence stood in complete contrast to other civil rights leaders who promoted Black self defense. It seems more suiting to respond to the agressive and murderous tactics of white supremicist with violence, however, Kings deep Christian spirituality helped foster the peoples hopes without inspiring aggression. King peacefully revealed the hypocrisy of American freedom as well as forcibly asserted Christian morality in the eyes of a nation plagued with uncertainties.

King stood strong in the face of persecution from both the local and federal governements as exemplified by Herbert Hoover's active surveillance of King and other civil rights activist.

I think that the work of Martin Luther King did not just change the future for African Americans, but for everyone. There were the few who believed that segregation of colored and non-colored people was morally wrong. The idea of fighting for what we believe in is taught to each of us but how many have actually done it? Martin Luther King was an inspiration to all. The fact that his statue stands next to Abraham Lincoln to me symbolizes the long struggle for equality. Today, there are those who still live in the days of the past with racism, but I do believe that we have come a long way. Derogatory and racial terminology only exemplifies ignorance and needs to be taught that things have changed. Racism only exists when taught and passed down by family members, friends, and what we see and hear in music and television. Martin Luther King does influence my actions by remember that if something is not right, do not say it. Behavior can be changed and the same goes with ideas. It takes a lot of work, but it can be done.

I am delighted that Dr. King has gotten a statue in his honor and I am sure he would be quite flattered, but I do not think he would want us to just honor him with the statue. Dr. King would have wanted our country to honor him by continuing on with his "Dream". Yes, we have come far from the 60's when he was alive and fighting for the colored rights and discrimination, but there is always room to grow and improve. With this new statue I think that we as citizens should use this as a reminder to fight, PEACEFULLY, for what we believe is right. A good example could be the peaceful protestors at UC Davis who were exercising their right, but were still punished (by being pepper sprayed).

I think this story should inspire us all to follow in the foot steps of Martin Luther King Jr. and continue fighting for all people to have equal rights. Martin Luther King believed in something that was worth believing in and he knew it. He fought everyday to bring about social equality in America and did not need violence to get his point across. If we all follow in the foot steps on this man we could help to bring about social equality among all people, no matter their race or gender.

"Silence is not an option." This was one of my favorite lines in the entire article. Silence is definitely not an option in this case. Martin Luther King worked practically his entire life to stop discrimination and racism, and we should follow his lead. One can only hope this new memorial reminds us all to keep fighting for equality. We have come a long way since the decade of Martin Luther King's teaching, but not far enough. It will never be enough until discrimination ends entirely. We MUST teach our own children not to discriminate. They need to learn to not be prejudice or racist. It starts with us. We have to set the example. We must teach our children and other peers about the importance equality. We must live by example, and we cannot be silent.

I cannot say whether, I a person of color, can fully grasp the ideas Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. had, nor understand what he was fully attempting to do because I cannot ask him a question and get a definite MLK answer. I do in the other hand think his "I have a Dream Speech" was more related to a dream he actually had, not until someone in the crowd pointed to that dream he was discussing in a private talk was he successful in rallying the people, I noticed that while watching a video of that speech, the first couple of minutes there is no gas to that flame. Now, to the idea of a 30 foot statue of the man next to our Presidents, I cannot figure out, I understand he did much, but the struggle has not yet ended there is nothing to celebrate. If the case is he did much for people of color why not erect one for Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and or Caesar Chavez. I would rather in live to what he spoke and practice what he said than just remember what started, I would want to be the one who helps end it.

Martin Luther King Jr. was just a normal United States citizen who saw injustice being perpetuated by individual mindsets and a system and worked to stop that injustice. His story and his strength in face of some of the most extreme adversity is a testament to how great a leader and individual Dr. King was. Dr. King's use of non-violence and civil disobedience started a wave of new movements of individuals who were seeking equal treatment as well, from a myriad of minority groups. For me personally, Dr. King represents the epitome of sticking to your beliefs and fighting for what you know is right, even if that means sacrificing your time, money or even your life. I think that the statue of Dr. King is a huge step in furthering the conversation Dr. King started with the Civil Rights movement as well as remembering a man who made the integrated society we have today possible, regardless of what problems persist. It has always been about progress in race relations and Dr. King understood that most of the time progress was slow and hard fought. Regardless of this he fought on never succumbing to defeat. The Civil Rights legislation that the dialogue King's leadership created helped facilitate in a way is also being remembered with the statue. The location of King's statue among Presidents also is important to show how important a political figure he was. The commissioning of this statue shows that the progress is still coming and that we can achieve true equality and bypass racial stereotypes that are mostly passed down through families and media. Our generation is much less racially conscious as that of our parents and if King's Dream is still alive our children will have even less focus on race as a defining factor between human beings.

The works of Dr. King have greatly altered the view and works of many Americans today. I agree that he had a passion and fire for what he believed in, which is rare in today's society. The FBI hate crime statistical report for 2010 was just released and it revealed that much work is still needed. It revealed that there were 6624 single-bias incidents that involved 7690 offenses, 8199 victims,and 6001 offenders. Of all the incidents reported, 47.3 percent were racially motivated. It is easy to say that race still plays a significant role in our crime. I believe Dr. King would want all us, no matter the color, to stand up and have a say in this issue. Obviously it is still present and it will take every single one of us to work together on eliminating this issue that Dr. King lived his life for to end.

I believe that without Martin Luther King Jr. African American culture would not be what they are today. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke truth and opened the eyes of many people. He proved, that no matter what, anyone can make a difference. Not any did he speak to African American’s he spoke to the White people as well. No matter the circumstance, we can all step up for what we believe in. As a Mexican American, I have been impacted by his speech as well. He influenced other races as well to go out and step up when we feel like we are belittled or taken advantage of. Martin Luther King’s Memorial is a reminder that no matter who you are, you can make a difference. I appreciate his wisdom and bravery for stepping up and speaking up. Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther king’s example of a world without prejudice has always burned in my heart. I feel that with each generation a new level of acceptance and understanding is reached. I am still unsure how I have come to see the world as I do given how my parents and grandparents tried to teach me. I think in the end I have taught them more about acceptance then they were willing to learn. We have had many late night discussions about this. I hope that I can teach my children to be open minded loving caring and excepting .I dream of a new generation with no discrimination although it may take longer then I hope, I do think the day is coming. This statue is just a statue, but it is also a reminder, and a wake-up call to everyone to keep this wonderful man’s dream alive and prospering.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who lived by principles. He operated through these principles in everything that he did. Yet in many schools, all that is taught about him is his fight for the Black community. Little time or page space is given to his fight for economic justice. His passionate words against the Vietnam war are often glossed over. Even his refusal to use violence is reduced to a political ploy, instead of a way of life.

While delivering a speech, a man rushed the stage on which Dr. King was orating. This man ran at Dr. King, obviously looking to attack him before guards could break up the fight. But Dr. King innocently dropped his hands to the side, refusing to engage in violence, even to physically protect himself. Non-violence was an integral part of who he was.

Dr. King is rightfully known for championing civil rights, but we do him a disservice when we extol his work in that arena, yet forget his words and example . The man certainly deserves to be better taught in schools and have statues and memorials, but let us remember him for all that he stood for, and not allow our memories of him to be only of one issue.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of change who fought with passion for what he believed in which was equality for all races. Even though there were many against him he continued on his journey and managed to change the lives of people all around him. He showed the world that people can fight and stand up for what they believe through non violent activism. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of change who preached that the change needed to start immediately and would have to start with in ourselves. This idea still stands strong today. If we want to see change in this world, then we need to be the change. The youth is the future and if we do not set a good example for the youth then we will never see change. Racism has been around because we have continued to keep it around and will not end until we make it end. The journey of Martin Luther King, Jr. has helped me realize that the change needs to start now and that I can help be a part of that change.

I think symbols are one way that we as a society can express something larger and abstract. A statue of Dr. King is a mere symbol of his legacy, a legacy that lives on. Yet, it is not hard to see the numerous challenges still present in our society, some that the author mentions. From economic disparities to racial and ethnic inequality, to prejudice and hatred still alive and well even in the most progressive communities it is clear we are NOT there yet. I think it is time for another movement; one that like the one Dr. King led dares to defy the legitimacy of the status quo and push for a more equal and just future. Perhaps “Occupy Wall Street” is the beginning of such a movement, only time will tell. One thing is clear though, as we are now able to see the symbolic constant reminder of Dr. King we can’t simply stand by as inequalities and hatred persist, rather it must serve as motivation and inspiration to become the change we want to see.

I think that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a good man. At least, that’s what I thought when I first learned of him back in the 1st Grade. Since then, I’ve learned how momentous his actions were, and that he was trying to make the world a better place. He did that, not through politics or violence, but through peaceful protests, gatherings, and movements. He saw everyone as people, not as “them” and “us”, and worked hard to keep both sides from getting hurt. Perhaps, most importantly, he did not try to grab for power so as to push his views onto the people. He appealed directly to our feelings of love and concern for our fellow man, walked among us, and tried to help people get along a little better. That’s what the monument is being built for. It’s not just to celebrate his deeds, but it is to stand as a testament to his ideas and his dreams. It is not just an honor, but a sign that we, as a nation (and a people) hold his values up high as a guide for our generation, others that come later. “We are trying to change ourselves for the better”, is what this monument says.

I am so thankful for what Martin Luther King did with his life. I am glad that he risked his life everyday to lead the civil rights movement. He changed history so much and nothing would be the way it is now if he hadn't stood up for what he believed in. I think that it is great that they made a statue of him in Washington. We should be reminded everyday of how lucky we are and why we have the rights we have today. It is a story we should pass down from generation to generation. We need to make sure that our kids know how to handle situations dealing with race. We can decrease the racism in the world by teaching our children the right ways.

It is very apparent that Martin Luther King did amazing things throughout his lifetime. He was a dedicated man that knew what he wanted, and he strove to do everything in his power to get it. He did not back down, and spend his entire life dedicated to that cause. I personally think that it is very cool that he now has a memorial, it has been a long time coming, and it should have already been built. The influence of Martin Luther King started affecting my parents generation (the baby boomers), and it is because of them that I now see the world the way that I do. This influence is not something that I will be able to grasp because it is how I was raised. It is an innate part of who I am. However, I believe that we can learn how to live our lives from Martin Luther King. We need to be dedicated to what we do, give it our undivided attention; and if something comes along that we can change, we should change it.

Dr. King was a good example of a positive way to motivate change. He did so not with hatred and anger, but with love and a Christian attitude. His work is inspiring because he accomplished more using love than so many others did with violence. It is hard to imagine where we would be if he had not courage to speak out, and the patience to do it the way he did. Our first reaction is to act in anger when we see injustice, but Dr. King knew that would not get his cause very far. I am moved by his ability to show love and inspire so many people in the face of violence. Dr. King has influenced me to look for a positive way to tackle issues of injustice. I find myself getting frustrated with the injustices in our society and my first reaction is anger at the ignorance of others. Looking at the work of Dr. King helps inspire me to approach an issue with Christian love.

I believe that Martin's work was noble and in a sense very classy. Usually classy is a term to describe females, but I believe it also describes Martin. He fought hard for something that he wanted, but with beautifully scripted words and a push for anti-violence. If he were to see the world now he would be very happy about some of the advancements made. He would also feel hurt that somethings haven't drastically changed. Taking the time to finally be heard, fighting for a cause he pursued his whole life, and bringing a community together are just three reasons why a statue is necessary. Everything he has done influences me to think that more cultures should have leaders like Martin, ones that publicly address major concerns. Races need a head of their cause that people can relate with and meaningful words need to be spoken. Speeches now are only heard by Presidents, people in charge, celebrities, and families when their children have gone missing. Where are the moving broadcasted speeches that fight for the rights that people rightfully deserve. I am influenced to think that the movement Martin started was powerful and effective for a reason and some of his tactics of speech giving and community involvement need to be utilized.

I strongly believe that MLK Jr. wanted the younger generations to take the flicker that he and so many others started and let it grow into a flame. I agree silence is not an option and you can not change the past. Knowing this I truly believe it is up to my generation and the younger generations to fight social, economic, and education inequalities. One step that will help us to fight these inequalities is acknowledgment. After acknowledgment we must consider our own values and beliefs and see if we ourselves hold any negative views. Most importantly, we can strive to break this unjust cycle by teaching our children the right messages and lessons. By doing this, our children have a better chance to learn equality and bring change to this world.

Without the work of Martin Luther King Jr. the African American culture would not be what it is today. He taught people that no matter what is happening in the world there is always a way to improve your life. At times, it may be very difficult to improve and move up in the world but through dedication and hard work most anything is possible. King also helped influence other races because he taught them to stand up for things that they thought were unjust. His teachings did not apply solely to the African American race. The lessons that he taught, most likely influence, people very often.

I think it is crucial to speak to our kids, future generations about the importance of acceptance, no matter what religion, color, etc. It is our duty to teach them to not invest in the destructive cycles of stereotypes. A good example is living like Martin Luther King did and never backing down on an something you believe in!

He has made a great impact for the African American society. He taught millions to speak against social injustice and that ever man and woman are created to be equal, regardless of race. This man was full of inspiration and courage to stand up against the white man during that time. I do think the money that was spent on the statue was unnecessary but he is a role model that every one should look up to.

I think it is wonderful that MLK is being memorialized, however I think the statue should be in a more public place where his dream can be admired. I don't think a mall is an appropriate place for a man who aspired to overlook people for their differences whether it was race, ethnicity, social status etc. Sadly, even today ignorance is still prevalent in the world. Every generation has an opportunity to learn from MLK and continue to aspire and build on what he had presented when he was alive.