Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a celebration of the ongoing development of a freer society—one in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and are able to pursue happiness as they see fit. Before this progress, the nation endured eras of segregation and, before that, slavery as well as dehumanization of Native Americans, during which distorted beliefs were used to justify the mistreatment of others (There never was any justification in any religion for this so those who misuse the good for the bad engage in moral distortions and lack of moral conscious.).
Nonviolent Resistance and Moral Progress
Dr. King taught us that nonviolent, principled resistance to wrongdoing is not only possible, but powerful. His message demonstrated that moral courage and kindness can challenge injustice without replicating it (Do not repay hate with hate.). While much progress has been made, these struggles have not entirely disappeared in today’s world. We are still in movement from a past to a future so related situations will continue to bubble up until the root is resolved (When faced with hate, you can respond with kindness and empathy for their current state of values.). Hate also exists in different places across the globe so the lessons here can be universalized.
The Enduring Legacy of Hate
The legacy of hate continues to surface from time to time toward out-groups. It reaches beyond politics and influence to the very purpose upon which this country was founded (Each party had their time when they did well and when they failed.). The country was built on the idea of freedom—an imperfect freedom at first, but one that has steadily expanded through collective effort and moral reflection. Our work is not done and those issus continue to arise if decision makers allow them a free hand and a wink and nod. This is part of the reaon why the best and brightest and not the most connected need to take on important roles in our society. It is your duty to promote the best of us so we don't repeat history.
Freedom, Development, and Ongoing Struggles
This movement toward greater freedom has fueled economic and social development on a scale that helped make the nation a global leader. Yet many people still struggle and thus there is more room for growth economically and socially. Whether someone is African American, a religious minority, or simply viewed as outside the mainstream, similar patterns of exclusion and injustice continue to appear and it reduces capacity. It is helpful to educate and teach a higher moral conscious. Positive change and new insight are the things that help save others. It is what fosters economic thriving.
Human Capital and Shared Responsibility
Stories help highlight these ongoing challenges and remind us of the work still required to ensure fairness, justice, and inclusion (i.e. the Story of the Clan is a hypothetical philosophical story designed to teach what defaults in justice look like and the difficulties people face where hate and corruption are normalized and uncorrected. Even fostered. Keep reading the blog for this human and civil rights learning thought experiment.). This is why the concept of human capital matters. When we do not discriminate or mistreat people, we create space for individuals to contribute their skills, values, and talents. What matters most is merit—character, ability, and shared values—not identity.
Looking Forward Together
As we reflect on this day, we should consider why this country was founded and what responsibilities we owe one another as members of the same society (Don't let segregationists separate us.). The next generation is highly diverse, and those who seek to divide us through segregation or exclusion do not strengthen us—they create unnecessary hardship. They undermine the foundations. We are all in this together. Regardless of race, religion, or politics, we must move forward in the same direction. Think about what preserves freedom for us all and how to strengthen the foundations of a free society where there are only "We".
Let us remember Dr. King as someone who reminded us of that truth and take inspiration from the enduring possibility of positive change. Be good and kind to each other.
An interesting piece on his history,
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