"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., birthday. A day that is hopefully recognized by all of Americans. We remember the struggle that blacks had for civil rights and how he helped lead the movement with others. Now we all know that Dr. King wasn't the only one that contributed, but his leadership was very significant in the fight for our rights.
Today, I think about his quote about darkness trying to cast out darkness and I started to think; is that not what we are foolishly doing now? Now, I don't try to get into too much politics because I believe that whomever's in office should not totally affect the way you live, but for the past few years, I've noticed a cetain change.
I'm not talking of the "change" that Obama has spoken of, but change in our country. To me, it seems as if we have almost forgotten about King's teachings and we are headed the wrong way. We are fighting 'darkness with darkness", and I know that this isn't going to get us anywhere.
My explanation for my thought is due to the fact that I see a world that is at a standstill and the only way it moves is if something negative is brought forth to make a move. I barely watch television (besides Sports) because everything is so negative. It's as if the media turns people against each other, and we are forgetting the main point, utimately forgetting ourselves.
Now the problem I'm seeing right now, is knowing that I can disagree with someone and his/her ideas and actions. However, that doesn't mean I cannot work with, and/or respect them. Politics have become a joke and the sides of Democrat and Republican has become absurd with finding ways to damage the other party. What we forgot is that we are still one country, and what we do or decide will not only affect us, but generations after us. To me, I feel like some people are saying "screw what could happen later, but I'm concerned about myself and right now".
Negative and bad content can be turned into chaos through the media because of how easy they can sway your thoughts. As long as our country is portrayed as being down and falling (darkness) and media or other powerful individuals continue to speak on growing negativity (darkness), then we will remain down and continue to fall as a country. Now that doesn't mean simply lie and say everything is fine and peachy, yet, speak on the progression, and take time to be part of that movement.
So if Dr. King was alive today (something we always say), I couldn't say if he would be upset or concerned with what is going on. Instead, I do know he would still be working. He would be working to continue equality; he would still speak of peace and nonviolence; he would speak on importance of education; he would continue to love the next man as himself.
So, I would say, let's continue what Dr. Martin Luther King would be doing right now. Let's bring in the light to drive out darkness. Let's take time to listen to each other and realize that we are all different and have different views. The main goal should be how my goals can coincide with yours and how yours can with mine. Don't disrespect anyone and try to take good out of any situation. That will get us back on the right track.
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