With Martin Luther King Jr. Day only a day past, I think that it is important to take a moment to appreciate his legacy when it seems like the weekend is remembered more for its convenience as a skiing weekend than for the man behind it. Martin Luther King was perhaps the greatest social visionary and leader in our country's history. I have great difficulty recalling another figure in our nation's short history who possessed his ability to mobilize and rally support for a controversial cause. Not only should his specific message be practiced by all Americans, but the way in which he led his life should be considered a goal that ought to be attained by everyone.
Martin Luther King Jr., a man with whom I share my famous initials, preached above all else a message of peace and harmony among all races of human beings. He truly believed that all men were created equal and should thus be treated as equals. He did not wish to place himself or his race above others, as his white opponents surely did. Instead, he strived to establish a culture in which people did not judge one another by superficial characteristics such as the color of their skin but by the quality of their heart.
Most importantly, despite the fact that Dr. King faced overwhelming and often violent adversity, he continued to preach a non-violent method of protest that ultimately prevailed in the 1960s. His contributions to American society were unparalleled in his time and remain some of the most important changes in this country's history.
The teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. are too frequently forgotten or not followed in today's America. Violence is still used as the answer to many of life's problems. Hate crimes remain frequent in our country and, despite efforts to increase the penalties for committing such crimes, a culture of hate and violence continues to exist. Even in trivial circumstances such as a bar or a frat basement, the use of violence is occasionally threatened as a solution to a conflict. If people were sincere in their honoring of King's legacy, the fact that America stands as one of the most violent societies in the world would be reversed.
Remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us to exercise compassion and sympathy for others around the world. The tsunami disaster in India and Southeast Asia has been a rallying point through which our entire nation has shown kindness and compassion towards other cultures in times of tragedy. I have been truly amazed at the support that Dartmouth students have shown in organizing benefit concerts and other events to raise money to fund the aid effort in Asia. I feel like almost every other blitz I receive concerns different ways to volunteer and contribute to the tsunami relief movement. I sincerely believe that Martin Luther King Jr. would be proud of the compassion and concern that America has shown towards the victims facing dire circumstances. However, I don't think that he would be very happy with the fact that despite our best intentions, some of the aid effort has been met with violence and distrust from natives questioning our intentions and protecting their homelands. Clearly, our world has a long way to go in the fight against violence if men and women are fighting one another in the midst of a humanitarian aid campaign.
Martin Luther King Jr. also represented a man who was willing to die for his cause. He told us that life is not worth living unless we exhibit passion and faith in our beliefs and causes. This way of life should be followed by all, but it rarely is. I question if I have a cause of belief that I would be willing to die for. Unless we dedicate ourselves to our work and our beliefs, I don't believe that we will have led a fulfilling life.
The true meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is for each and every American to look at his own life and consider what causes he holds closest to his heart. What causes would you devote your time and energy to and what beliefs would you stand up and defend? Dr. King was a great man because he asked himself this question every day and truly spent his life fighting for kindness and compassion among all Americans. We should all thank him for the difference he made on our society and, more importantly, seek to live our lives with even half the dedication and devotion that he showed.
