Racism In Selma By Martin Luther King Jr.

Racism is a euphemism for dictatorship. As it has been seen in history, persons in authority find it difficult to relinquish their position and tend to be corrupted by power itself. This creates a state of dictatorship wherein the freedom of a certain people is greatly limited. This quote is compelling because it is a fundamental truth that has proven true throughout history. Those have the authority over others do not simply give up their control without a cause to do so. There must be a cause in order for there to be any effect. Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist from the Civil War era, even once stated, “Power yield nothing without a struggle.” Those who seek to oppress do so in order to retain power and to prevent others from being empowered.

To this, Martin Luther King Jr. responds and confirms that he and his fellow demonstrators are indeed using nonviolent direct action in order to create “constructive” tension. This tension is intended to compel meaningful negotiation with the white power structure, without which true civil rights can never be achieved. In the letter, King cites previous failed negotiations, and writes that the black community is left with “no alternative.” President Johnson urges King to please be patient because there are more important issues that need to be dealt with first, King responds to this in the same manner as he does with the clergymen. King stresses there is no more time for delay and that the word “wait” is equivalent to the word “never.” He emphasizes that the movement is now and all those that perished, fighting for this cause, must not have died in vain. To the clergymen and to President Johnson King says, “Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, ‘Wait.’” The Negro community demands action and they will simply not wait for their oppressors to grant them their inalienable