MLK: I Never Realized...

So... we all learn about Martin Luther King JR. in school... (or at least I am assuming we do...) but I am really starting to understand the gaps we get in our education. I had NO idea that Gandhi was such an influential force for MLK. I guess it makes sense when you look at the way Gandhi and MLK faced their opponents; there is little difference in the situations besides the parties had changed and the issue had shifted.

I am really enjoying this explanation of agape that MLK is writing about. The parallels between Gandhi's sayagraha are clear. The level of love described or enacted in both, the ability to look past one's self and the personal grudges or agendas, and simply see the betterment for the community. Wow.

Also, I find it interesting how MLK makes sure that the reader realizes that non-violence does not mean no resistance, simply that it is resistance without physical or spiritual or emotional violence. It is more persuasion to get the other side to realize there is an injustice that needs to be corrected in order to support the community.

So often there is a failure on people's part to recognize that persuasion can happen without attacking people in other ways than physically, and I think MLK's way of describing it is the best writing explanation I have seen. It is the first time I have really felt it solidified in my mind, and easily comprehensible.