21 January 2013

King's dream seems so close, but still so far away

Today, the third Monday in January, Americans celebrate the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day,, honoring the late civil rights leader.

If Dr. King were alive today, I'm sure he would be delighted to see an African-American family in the White House. However, he would surely also recognize - as we all should - that his dream is still far from becoming a full reality. The election of our first African-American president did not usher in a post-racial America. Indeed, in some corners of the country, it has fanned the flames of racism.

Furthermore, today, it's not just about white vs. black, but also white vs. brown, and white males vs. "other" in general.

In response, we must all work extra hard every day to promote tolerance and acceptance. We must all work every day towards fully realizing Dr. King's dream, in which all people "will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Given human nature, the dream will likely not come true in my lifetime, if ever. But every step forward is worth celebrating.

Your homework for today:

>> Watch video of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

>> Read the text of the speech.

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