Civil Rights - King & Carmichael_LeslieCastro
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Dec 6, 2023
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Leslie Castro
Professor Jaramillo-Fontenot
HIST 1302
11 November 2023
Civil Rights – King & Carmichael
1. Both readings deal in some way with opposition. What "opposing forces" does Martin
Luther King Jr. argue there were in the Black community? And according to Stokely
Carmichael, why did the principle of racial integration merit rejection?
In his Letter from a Birmingham Jail " Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledges that there are
opposing forces within the Black community. “ I must confess that over the past few years I have
been gravely disappointed with the white moderate.” (MLK Jr.) He argues that the biggest
obstacle to freedom for people is not necessarily the obvious racists, like the Ku Klux Klan but
rather those he refers to as the "white moderate." “Is not the White Citizen’s Councilor or the Ku
Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to “order” than to justice.” (MLK
Jr.) MLK Jr. Criticizes those who claim to support rights but place order, above justice.
According to him their inaction and reluctance to challenge the status quo impede progress
towards achieving equality. On a note Stokely Carmichael in his essay "Black Power,"
challenges the principle of racial integration. “This country has been feeding us a “thalidomide
drug of integration,” and some negroes have been walking down a dream street talking about
sitting next to white people.” (Carmichael) He views integration as a façade that perpetuates
white supremacy. Carmichael argues that integration fails to address the causes of racial
discrimination and inequality. Instead, he believes that Black people should prioritize unity
recognizing their heritage, and fostering a sense of community in order to attain empowerment.
2. How did racial discrimination and inequality need to be solved according to these
leaders? Compare and contrast their views.
Martin Luther King Jr. And Stokely Carmichael approached the issue of discrimination and
inequality in distinct ways. “In which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a
substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human
personality.” (MLK Jr.) Martin Luther King Jr. Advocated for protests and nonviolent resistance
placing his faith, in love, understanding, and dialogue as tools to bridge racial divides. He
stressed the significance of unity. He was creating a harmonious society. “In order to escape that
oppression we must wield the group power we have, not the individual power that this country
sets.” (Carmichael) On the other hand, Carmichael prioritized Black power and self-
determination urging Black individuals to come together and acknowledge their heritage. He
believed genuine equality could only be attained by empowering the community and fostering
self-sufficiency. Although both leaders acknowledged the necessity of addressing discrimination
and inequality they employed different strategies; Martin Luther King Jr. Centered on nonviolent
resistance and unity while Carmichael emphasized Black power and self-determination.
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