Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines
When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his speech on that sweltering day in August, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, he had high hopes for equality in America. All around him he saw the injustice that was being done to his fellow man, by his fellow man. He dreamed of a place where people could be free, and live safely without fear of one another. He recognized that though the slaves had been released from slavery, African Americans had yet to be set free. He saw the changes that needed to be made, and listed them poignantly. Martin Luther King Jr. singlehandedly ignited a firestorm that helped push forward the Civil Rights Movement, creating change for African Americans that would echo through the decades.
Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. remarked about many ways that African Americans were being treated. The foundation of his speech is that America was founded upon the basic principle that all men are created equal. However, they were not being treated that way at the time. Many African Americans still had problems obtaining citizenship, as well as condemned to a consistent state of poverty. He remarks that an African Americans only entitlement in America, at that time, was to move from a small ghetto to a large ghetto. He also mentions how many business reserve the right to refuse service to African Americans, going so far as to place “Whites only” signs in their storefront windows. MLK Jr. states that we cannot rest while all free people of this country cannot vote, or believe that there is no reason they should vote. He acknowledges that police brutality towards African Americans is high, as well. In the most famous part of his speech, MLK Jr. outlines that African Americans are still not at peace with Caucasians. He dreams that everybody, including his own children, will one day be judged by their character instead of their color, and that black and white children and one day play and grow together without fear.
Several dreams of Martin Luther King Jr.’s have come true, though some have not been granted entirely. The “Whites only” signs are gone. Establishments may no longer turn away customers based on their race. Children of all colors go to school together, laugh together, play together, and grow together, just as MLK Jr. has envisioned. Many African Americans used their opportunity to get an equal education to get out of the ghetto and make vast differences in the world. However, sociologically speaking, many are still stuck in a cycle of poverty, condemned to ghettos. All African Americans have been granted citizenship. All free men and women, of all races, can vote and feel like they have something they can vote for. Whatever your political leanings may be, one cannot help but assume that King would be happy to see that we have progressed far enough as a nation to elect and African American as our President of the United States. Police brutality toward African Americans may not be what it once was but it is not eradicated. The progression of the country is spreading. People are judged more often based on their character and morals than their race. However, racism still exists and King’s primary point, that all men are created equal and should be treated as such, has yet to be realized fully.
In summation, the country has made progress with Civil Rights in the 50 years since Martin Luther King gave his speech. Tolerance has increased and African Americans are no longer at the disadvantage that the nation seemed determined to station them with. African Americans can vote, attend school, receive service anywhere at any time that a while person can, and enjoy rightful citizenship. Despite this progress, unfortunately, many African Americans remain stuck in the poverty cycle. One can only imagine how displeasing this would be for Dr. King to hear, after 50 years. While conditions seem continuously improving, we must ask ourselves if it is enough progress for five decades time or if we are just kidding ourselves in an attempt to feel better?
