in the same boat

 Yesterday was MLK day. Martin Luther King is best known for his dream speech. It was a good one. It is one of those speeches that will live on in the hearts of men forever for its' powerful message and imagery. You will hear him referred to as Dr. King. Do you know what he had a doctorate in? It was in Philosophy. A doctorate of philosophy in systemic theology. Just what is that you ask? It is an attempt to explain all questions and problems related to human life. Famous philosophers that would have held that same degree today are, Plato, Aristotle and Descartes. So yes, it s a legit title. He was awarded that degree in 1955 from Boston University. The title most applied to him is activist. He was that, no doubt about that. Best known for his march on Washington and delivering that dream speech it was a call for action. And I would certainly agree with the Doctor, changes are necessary. I'd also agree with the Doctor that dreams must be fulfilled by your own actions, your dreams should not be reliant upon others to fulfill them. 

 What is less known, or at least less spoken about is his childhood. Yes he did attend segregated schools. So did every other child of color during that time frame in the south. What isn't mentioned often is that he lived in what is called the Sweet Auburn section of Atlanta, Ga. That neighborhood was home to the wealthiest and most influential black people in the country. In short, it was a high class neighborhood. His family was well to do. Far from any imagery you may have of a poor black child struggling in a segregated schoolhouse, he was an outstanding student in a very nice school. Does the fact that it was a segregated school make it less of a school? I'd say no more so than segregated schools in white neighborhoods. Yes, it's true there are rich and poor people, rich and poor neighborhoods in all communities, regardless of the color of your skin. They were, and still are, poorly staffed, underfunded schools in America. My only point being, Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in a world of privilege.

 Yes, I know he was black, he knew he was also but didn't use that as an excuse for anything. His world of privilege certainly didn't extend as far as a white child of equal wealth and social position would have. That can't be denied in any fashion. Prejudice is very real. That was proven without a doubt by James Earl Ray when he shot and killed King in 1968. Still we must remember he was raised by wealthy, educated parents and attended Morehouse University and eventually receives a degree, a doctorate no less, from Boston University. I wonder what other occupation a Doctor of Philosophy in Systemic Theology could pursue besides teacher or activist? Especially so in 1955 America. The reality is, he was a black man. The Doctor was well aware of that as well. That he chose to inspire instead of complain, is a tribute to his character. And that is where the philosophical part enters into this discussion. Would he have been the same had his family been poor, living in a poor neighborhood? Was Dr. King a product of good luck and fortune? Does it matter?

 No, I don't think it does matter. What matters is results. Is that to say the ends justify the means? Ah, that's another discussion altogether isn't it? That discussion would certainly involve theological aspects as well as legal ones. It is a subject in the realm of Dr. King for sure. Martin Luther King Jr. called for peaceful protest. He spoke of the content of your character, not the color of your skin. Was he able to do that, to understand that, because he had a privileged childhood? To be clear, he could afford to believe that because he didn't have to live in any other way? And belief can be dependent upon your financial position, social status, and political leanings. It is also easier to preach than to believe! That is also another topic of discussion for another day. 

 In 1986 the United States designated the first Monday in January as Martin Luther King, Jr. day, a federal holiday. There are no traditions associated with this yet. It is a fairly new holiday after all. I believe the intent was to remind us all of what can be accomplished through non-violent means and civil disobiendence. I think the lesson should be, civil disobiendence doesn't include rioting or intimidating others! I hope that is what comes to pass. I don't think that is the lesson being taught however. They emphasis seems to be that he was killed by a white man because of prejudice. That's a truth that can't be denied but not what Dr. King would want talked about. At least I don't believe that is what he would want. I admit I haven't read a lot about him, studied his life and philosophy but the portions I have we are in agreement. I too believe in the content of your character as the defining factor. I also agree the first step is getting past your fears. You have to be willing to take a chance. 

 I like one thought in particular attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr. He said, " we may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. " That applies today as much as it did the day he uttered those words. He wasn't talking just about slave ships either! He was talking about all those that have come to America. Each wave of immigrants that came to our shores whether by force, or by desire, has been met with prejudice, opposition and been taken advantage of. And yes, the illegal ones have been, and continue to be, abused, used and generally dehumanized. I just don't include them in " my ship " just yet, not until they make legal passage. But that too is another discussion altogether. Martin Luther King did promote breaking the law, civil disobiendence, but doing so in a peaceful manner. I don't believe he would support the illegal entry in any country. But, like I say, that's another topic of discussion. 

 Can the hypothetical become the reality? That is the struggle of mankind isn't it? We all have these grand schemes and plans for the future of man. We all have the answers, at least in our own minds. Whether we have the courage to voice those ideas and opinions or not, we all harbor them. I certainly do. I certainly am not afraid to share those ideas either. Sometimes it is a good thing, sometimes not so much. At other times it may be downright foolish. Well, no matter. I still enjoy exploring the hypothetical and dreaming that it could one day be reality. And that is what MLK day is really about, in my opinion.