Assignment: Inquiry #2 Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King's ideas and actions changed America. He challenged the law and leaders in order to gain equality for African Americans. In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," he explained his thought process, and why he felt the need to carry-out nonviolent demonstrations to promote his cause.

The part that made me understand his Letter and point of view the most was the part that said, "I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to disobey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws." African Americans during this time did not get to experience the "Central Human Capabilities" that Nussbaum discussed in the previous reading.

It had to have been so aggravating and disheartening to know in your heart something was right, when the rest of the world was telling you otherwise. And, like he said, it was the moderate people, who agreed with Martin Luther King, who disappointed him the most. They knew King was right, but they didn't have the guts to stand-up and agree with him.

Question:

Martin Luther King did an excellent job of explaining himself and giving examples for people to relate to. How could many religious and political leaders not agree with his words and work?

I feel like the problem Martin Luther King had happens to other people every day in this country. I know that a lot of people are scared of change and are very set in their ways. But, a lot of times I think people go off of what higher-ups say without really thinking on their own. Someone can see things how they should be, and explain something so well. But, until other people change and think on their own, will things really change.