Media Artifacts that Changed Us: Martin Luther King Jr

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Media Artifacts that Changed Us:
I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King Jr.
Several decades ago, racial discrimination was deep-rooted in the US. Most people were judged unfairly and subjected to inhumane conditions while languishing in abject poverty just because of the color of their skin. A young Nobel Peace Prize winner, Martin Luther King Jr. led a revolt over racism. On 28th August 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech on racial discrimination in America. The speech dubbed ‘I Have a Dream,' has been referred to as the greatest speech of the 20th century CITATION Han15 \l 1033 (Walton and Smith). Martin Luther King (MLK) addressed a mammoth crowd in readiness to march and push the administration to restructure the legal structure and recognize them as equal citizens. His contribution to racial reforms have been echoed the world over, and he has remained an iconic figure globally for his immeasurable and selfless contribution towards racial diversity. The speech he delivered in Lincoln Memorial revamped the struggle for freedom and equality of people in America.
Racial discrimination was deep-rooted in America and Blacks were treated as second-class citizens. They had poor representation in the government, and the judicial system was tolerant to the unfair treatment of Blacks all around the country despite few legislations that protected Black lives like the Emancipation Proclamation. The society’s perception of a racially diverse country was disheartening. Jim Crow laws had socially stratified the people and some, like the Blacks, had lived in abject poverty and poor government representation. The speech delivered by MLK addressed each of the challenges facing the Blacks and encouraged them to act and stand up for the government to demand fair representation and recognition under the law. He charged them to fight for their future generations to live in a cohesive and collaborative country in which their skin color does not separate them but rather be their pride and a sign of cultural diversity.
In his speech, MLK encourages his supporters to take part in demanding for their civil rights and abolition of racial discrimination. It was a move echoed world over though racism has not been completely obliterated. The speech has become an iconic reference for the struggle for the abolition of racial segregation around the world. The speech called for a non-violent approach to justice and had reinvigorated many to use it against oppressive regimes especially regarding social status. MLK addressed civil rights especially of the Blacks and the struggles of racial diversity and equality. In his speech, he used analogies common to Americans to illustrate his appoints and convey his message in simple terms. He drew some historical facts to embolden his points on racial discrimination. In his memorable speech, he uses language to elicit emotion and feelings that shook the perception of racists while encouraging his supporters to push for immediate judicial and legislative reforms. His well-orchestrated speech has left an indelible mark in history and booked MLK a place in history for championing abolition of racial ...