Compare and Contrast the Philosophies/Theories and Practice of Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King
Introduction
Both Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King are an important part of Americans non-violent history. Although both of them were active in different areas of the civil movement, they are remembered with pride for their great achievements that made a huge impact in the lives of many American’s. Notably, the effect of their works is felt today especially by the minority groups of the nation. Even though Martin Luther King’s work is more recognized around the world than Cesar's’, they are both great heroes who deserve recognition and appreciation because of the sacrifices they made to make America better for all races (Todd 2011). This paper will attempt to address the similarity and differences of their philosophies or theories that made them distinguished among various civil rights movement leaders.
Todd (2011) states that these were both men of color who grew up in an era that embraced racial discrimination, repression and a biased justice system. This period aimed to strip a man of his dignity and self-worth if he did not belong to the right race. Both men aimed at protecting minority cultures against poor poverty and low socio-economic classes while still maintaining and taking pride in their culture. They both were jailed for stimulating change in the existing laws that encourage inequality regarding violence and service rendered between different cultures in America. In addition, they had high perseverance, and they did not back down despite the violence directed towards them and their civil movements by the government. This means they never backed down until everything that they believed in and fought for was made aware nationwide and changes implemented. Kings efforts resulted to implementation in the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965). On the other hand, Chaves’s action resulted to the creation of the United Farm Workers in (1966) and Agricultural Labor Relations Act (1975) as well as changes in the National Labor Relations Act (1935).
As a strategy of delivering justice to the second-class citizens oppressed in the country, they both followed the non-violent philosophical wisdom that Gandhi also used. King collaborated with churches, civil rights organizations, and liberal college groups that shared in his ideal of justice among minority groups in America. He organized peaceful marches and lawsuits that he also encouraged other people to join, as he was a great orator. Todd (2011) states that Chavez also used marches and strikes. In addition, he went into public fasts, which were inspired, by both Gandhi and the Catholic Church. While King introduced modern boycotts that he employed against the Montgomery Bus Line after Rosa Parks arrest, Chavez also instigated a five-year long boycott against table grapes in the Delano grape strike. Using these non-violent tactics, they both drew the public into their side. They made the issues that they fought for moral concerns.
However, both their activities were met with violence by either the government or the farmers in Chavez’ part. King’s boycotts and demonstrations prompted counter demonstrations that almost erupted into riots. He also received many death threats; his house bombed and was finally assassinated (Todd 2011). Chavez’ boycotts were also met with violence from the farmers, which often affected the workers. Notably, they were both arrested because of their civil rights activities.
Differences
Though these men fought for a better America, they both fought for different civil matters. While Martin Luther King fought for civil rights for all colored people of America, Todd (2011) argues that Chavez fought for better pay among migrant workers in America. King fought for equality in education, pay and the service industry for people of all color in America. He taught everyone to understand that people were not to be judged according to their race but the depth in their character. His dream was to have people of all races enjoy the American dream without discrimination. He encouraged everyone to discourage the backward culture that opposed equality and justice for all. His legacy lives on in the teachers and students in public schools who struggle against the social inequality imposed in their everyday lives.
Chavez, on the other hand, taught that all organizations had problems. He also encouraged people to build organizations and civil movements that gave people power, unity, and democracy. He also taught people that they should not wait for perfect unions, but rather they should create them since waiting may result to nothing (Todd 2011). His spirit and legacy lives on in unions and government workers as they fight for better pay, therefore, protecting the future for other workers. His legacy has imprinted on union rights throughout the nation.
Conclusion
Though both this men had different educational background and upbringing, their activities left a lasting impact in the American culture. As a result of the achievement in their activities, both men were honored for their service through different ways. Todd (2011) states that Martin Luther King was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was also stated as a national holiday as well as the King county in Washington named after him. Though Chavez did not win the Nobel Peace Prize after several nominations, he did win the Presidential Medal of Freedom after his death. His birthday is also celebrated as a state holiday in many states as well as an optional holiday in others. Hundreds of schools, parks, and streets have been named after these men showing that their legacy still lives on several decades after their death.
References
Todd, L. (2011). Did you realize that both Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King died in April? MCJ Milwaukee Community Journal. Retrieved from: http://communityjournal.net/did-you-realize-that-both-cesar-chavez-and- martin-luther-king-died-in-april/
