Mahelona, Ryan: Diversity

During the civil rights movement, the Black and White communities had many violent confrontations. Within this sea of violence, a nonviolent protestor named Martin Luther King, Jr. is the most well remembered figure of the times. After reading and comparing the letter presented to Dr. King and his response it is apparent that both letters carried strong emotions and addressed serious issues. The clergy who wrote the letter “A Call for Unity” were very clever and careful when putting together their words.

                  

 These men of the cloth wrote a short, to-the-point letter asking that Dr. King to not condone the resistance that the Black community was engaged in, no matter how nonviolent it was. The letter, when read the first time, seemed very respectable with little mention of racism. The letter asks him to take proper steps to appeal the things he thinks to be wrong and even applauds the police for being so calm and collected. The thing that stood out most to me was that they asked the “Negro” community to take action through courts and state representatives when they were not allowed to vote! Reading this now, it seems very belittling and racist but for the day it was written it seemed very calm and even a bit friendly.

                  

After receiving the letter, it is apparent in his writings that Dr. King felt much disrespected. I like the strong use of biblical comparison and quoting. I also really liked how he addressed them in a similar respectful fashion but also was not hesitant to deliver punches. He tells the clergy that his nonviolent protest methods are nowhere near as radical as their words suggest. I can assume that writing those words during that era was something that was considered very disrespectful and abnormal. My favorite line from his letter was near the end. “If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.”

Honors College Report: November 30, 2011

Honors College Report

November 30, 2011

Activities and News:

• Deborah Wilson, Suraj Manandhar, and Edward Kardas attended the annual meeting of the National Collegiate Honors Council in Phoenix, AZ where we led two panel discussions, one on admissions research the other on iPad deployment and use.
• The SAU Honors College will create an online database of research in honors. That project is now underway.
• Honors College will sponsor student travel to present research to either the Southern Regional Honors Council (Tampa) or the Great Plains Honors Council (Kansas City) meetings this spring.
• The Honors College took two trips, one to Perot Theatre in Texarkana on Tuesday, October 11 to see the National Chinese acrobats, the other on Saturday, November 12 to Little Rock where we visited the Clinton Library, Heifer International, and the Zoo.
• Edward Kardas gave a talk titled "Love Learning" on October 26 to the Magnolia High School National Honors Society members.
• The Honors Seminar has hosted the following visitors: David Rankin, Trey Berry, Scott McKay, Abdel Bachri, and Paul McLendon.
• Admissions applications have begun to arrive. Honors College will begin admitting students in the next 30 days.
• Honors College will submit an undergraduate research proposal to the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium soon. Several honors students have applied to participate in that project.
• On December 2, 2011 Honors Seminar students will evaluate their experiences with the iPad Pilot Project.

Pinson, Hali: Diversity

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most important people in American history. He was a peaceful, nonviolent civil rights activist who stood for the rights of every citizen and worked for equality for African Americans. Eight clergy from white churches wrote “A Call for Unity,” saying that Dr. King’s actions were “unwise and untimely;” to which he replied with his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” He explained that just because something was a law did not make it fair to all people. The timing of his actions was very justified. The situation in Birmingham was reaching a boiling point and needed a single push to either help or hurt civil rights. Instead of rioting, molesting officials, or defacing public or private properties, the demonstrators simply refused to follow the laws that oppressed and abused them as African Americans. Furthermore, they accepted the consequences of their actions and peacefully submitted to the officials: Dr. King did not fight his jail sentence since he knew that he had broken the law, just or not. Dr. King used the example of Hitler’s law stating that any man caught helping the Jews would be put to death as an unjust law that men ignored out of a moral sense of right and wrong. The Hungarian Freedom Fighters ignored Hitler’s biased law because they knew that it was unjust and therefore not upholding it was the right thing to do. Dr. Martin Luther King was just in his actions, as well as in his moral integrity, and using his leadership and charisma was what kept the Civil Rights movement moving forward. If Dr. King had attempted to use violence or force, nothing that he accomplished would have been possible.

Hao, Jiayin: Diversity

After reading the two letters, it's easy to see that they take opposite positions, arguing about a problem which has bothered the world for such a long time--the racial problem. The  argument over what is fair and free seems never have an answer.
  
The writers of " A Call for Unity" are eight clergymen who wish to treat some “negroes” as outsiders in order to preserve the status quo. They argued that the demonstrators had disrupted the social order. Like most White people at that time they believed they equal rights would eventually be granted to Blacks.
  
On the other side, the "Letter from a Brimingham Jail" was written by Martin Luther King, Jr., who led the Black people to fight for their rights. In this long letter, which was written in the jail, he noted that all people live in the same world and they deserve the same rights. Also, he wrote about how the existing laws treated Black people unfairly. King believed that the United States needed to give Black people their entitlements in order to let them live the America Dream. At the end of the letter, he expressed his desire about changing and improving the United States.
  
As far as I am concerned, the racial problem has been argued for too long time. Society has given us a good answer: we are all equal. There is no reason for anyone to deprive other people of their rights. I believe that although we can't achieve 100% fairness for all, we still can aspire to a country and a world that is a big family. Every person living in this big family would be sisters or brothers instead of masters and maids. However, compared to the past, society has improved much and the United States elected a Black president. If King were alive live today he would see that his dream has come true.

Wall, Adam: Diversity

What did Martin Luther King Jr. want? Equality, nothing more. He didn’t want special rights for the Blacks that had been mistreated throughout the years. He didn’t want compensation for what the White community had done to his race since colonial times. He just wanted the same rights as any other man or woman in America. He wanted his children to be able to have a good education and to not be judged because of the color of their skin but for the character of their being. He wanted a nation where the thing that defined you were the actions you made in life.  But Dr. King was not the only person in America that wanted something. The eight ministers and rabbis of Birmingham also wanted something. Or, better yet, they didn’t want something. They didn’t want change, not during their lifetimes. They knew that the treatment of the Black community had to change but they didn’t want to have anything to do with the change. And, if there had to be change they did not want this change to cause ripples in the social fabric. The ministers seemed to sympathize with the Black community but they were not willing to help them down the road to their freedom and ending their oppression.

Dr. King knew that the only way to freedom was through peaceful protests. Violent protests would only incite even more violence and worsen the conditions for the African-American community and those who were helping them. This was the main point Dr. King was trying to make in his letter. He never incited violence in his followers. But as has always been the case, when people see violence that is the only thing they will associate with protests and revolutions.  But Dr. King weathered all the criticism with the one thing that people cannot argue against: reason. Through patient reasoning King strived to inform the people of America that his intentions were noble and his methods were noble as well. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Dr. King showed that all he wanted was equality for every man, woman, and child in America and he showed that he had no intentions of inciting violence in his marches. He wanted peace and equality.

Wall, Adam: Beloit List

What has always been the one major difference between older faculty and incoming freshmen?  Technology. Advances in technology will always set generations apart. The same holds true with political strife.  Politics always change. Among with these differences only a few similarities are worth mentioning. Prominent among these is that throughout all of history generations have always been interested in higher education.

             

Technology is the ruling force in the world today.  However, technology was not so prominent or advanced 40 years ago. There were no iPhones or iPods, no laptops or personal computers either. People weren’t constantly checking their phones for text messages or updating Facebook to let everyone know what they were doing at the moment. Because of this faculty don’t understand how and why the new ‘Internet Class’ is so obsessed with technology and their need to always be connected with people and be up to date on everything that’s going on. The new generation has grown up in a time where technology rules everybody’s lives. You can’t look around a room these days without seeing some new piece of technology that affects day-to-day life: smartphones, iPods, iPads, computers, the list could go on and on. Technology used to be used mainly for medicine and communication but now it is primarily for entertainment, music, and even social life. When you ask a roomful of the ‘Internet Class’ who has a Facebook account, 99% of the time every hand will shoot into the air. Today if you want to learn about somebody all you have to do is simply click a button.  Technology has changed and with it so has humanity. This is why it will always be the biggest difference between the generations in the world.

           

Back in the 1950s the main conflict in the world was Communism, the Red Scare, and McCarthyism. Everywhere you looked someone was being accused of being a Communist. But Communism faded and so did the Red Scare. Then came was the Cuban Missile crisis, followed by  President Kennedy being assassinated and a country in mourning.  Political strife is as old as time itself. The older generations look back to times when this or that was happening and said those were the days and that was the worst moment in America’s history. Older generations try to tell the newer ones about these times but, mostly, the full picture and meaning escapes them. But what does stick with them is what happens throughout their lifetimes: 9/11, the Iraqi War, or the killing of Osama Bin Laden.  These are the events the ‘Internet Class’ will always remember, the events they will look back and say that was the day America was attacked. But we came together and then later got our revenge. The political times and strife will always be different and will always set the generations apart.

             

Higher education is the one thing all generations have been most concerned about. The older generation and the new generation have the goal to expand their minds and to experience new things and to always learn new things. The only difference in this field is the emphasis that the government and people in general put on education. In earlier times the push on education was still strong but the expectations were not as high. Now, students must pass all these new tests and requirements just to get out of a certain class. The expectations are much higher and students are pushed to higher limits. Even though the emphasis has changed the push on education has stayed the same.

             

On some things the older generation and the ‘Internet Class’ will never be able to understand each other or come to terms. Older generations will never be able to understand why students of today are so entranced by their cell phones and the new devices that seem to come out daily. Likewise, the students of today can’t understand why their older professors and grandparents are so annoyed and exasperated by the new gadgets and how students can’t seem to put them down. One thing is clear though, there will always be differences between generations, that is the main similarity all generations have shared. They are different and have never completely understood each other.

Goff, Jacob: Diversity

       Martin Luther King was a man of eloquent words and a great passion for equality. His Letter from Birmingham Jail written in response to the Call to Unity was a response to clergymen who were trying to slow the progress of African-Americans towards equality. King believed that he was similar to the eighth-century prophets who went out to spread God's word. He needed to go to the aid of people who needed his wisdom and experience. His goal was to unite the Christian leaders, Black and White, under one common goal. 
      

King had a very smart approach. He did everything he could peacefully and within the law in spite of what White segregationists were doing. He urged his fellow freedom seekers to do the same and most did. When a tactic did not work, King asked that his people to use another nonviolent tactic. This was usually hard because the people were getting inpatient. They were impatient because the freedom they wanted was coming so slowly. Of course, one cannot blame them for their impatience because other countries who were trying to achieve the same goal were getting there much faster.  
      

The fight for freedom was long and many suffered violence and death, but with the help of great men like Martin Luther King Jr., it was a fight won. If it were not for determined men like him who knows where our country would be today.

Wetherington, Rachel: Diversity

During the 1960s, America was in the midst of two different wars: one overseas in Vietnam and one on the home front known as the Civil Rights Movement. Diversity was far from many people's minds, save for a select few, because of what was happening in Vietnam. However, one man in particular, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was especially focused on diversity and trying to achieve acceptance of it. Segregation was universally practiced in the South during this time, and it was the main goal of Dr. King to help bring an end to it. Many people opposed his attempts in doing this, which resulted in a letter entitled "A Call For Unity" by eight white Birmingham clergymen that was published in a local newspaper. Dr. King's response to this letter was written while he was in jail, fittingly called "Letter From a Birmingham Jail." Both of these letters played a role in the eventual acceptance of diversity.
   
"A Call For Unity" was written on April 12, 1963. The letter urged "Negroes" to stop their demonstrations. These demonstrations were "directed and led in part by outsiders," according to the letter, referring to Dr. King. The clergymen make a weak attempt to try to be understanding in the Black's situation, but the arguments are not in any way convincing. The letter says that they "agree with certain local Negro leadership which has called for honest and open negotiation" about the racial issues but also states that the demonstrations were "unwise and untimely." The clergymen were merely trying to do what almost all the other whites did: promise change in the future and give Blacks false hope so they would discontinue their demonstrations. The veiled message is one that Dr. King picked up on, and as a result he wrote his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail." Without the clergymen's "A Call For Unity," Dr. King would not have had the opportunity to write one of his most famous and influential works that would play a large role in the Civil Rights Movement, in turn allowing for a more universal acceptance of diversity.
   
Dr. King's "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" was written just four days after "A Call For Unity," on April 16, 1963. Dr. King was in jail for a petty charge of demonstrating without a permit, that in itself highlighting the prejudices evident during this time. Although he was in jail, Dr. King did not give up or sit and wait to get out while injustices were still being done. He was not from Birmingham, but came because of an invitation from the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights to curb the injustices. In his letter, Dr. King compared his aid to the Biblical stories of prophets and the Apostle Paul, saying he was "compelled to bring the gospel of freedom beyond [his] hometown."  Dr. King was committed to nonviolent protest and became a symbol for any committed to spread acceptance of diversity and eliminate injustices due to prejudices.
   
Although Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had to face countless oppositions such as in "A Call For Unity," he was able to maintain a nonviolent defense, as seen in his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail," to expose the injustices done as a result of prejudices and the Whites' refusal to accept diversity. In turn, he was able to lead one of the most important movements in America's history; that is, the acceptance of others' differences, or in other words, diversity. 

Hamilton, Josh: Diversity

After reading “A Call for Unity” and “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” I must express that my feelings align with Dr. Martin Luther King’s ideology. In a perfect world the wishes of the eight clergymen that wrote “A Call for Unity” could most definitely be met. They wish for the desegregation through negotiation, which of itself is a noble cause. What they do not realize though is what MLK points out. Negotiation won’t simply just happen, it must be forced. The oppressor will never fully understand the plight of the oppressed. Though, in a perfect world segregation wouldn’t exist and reform would not be necessary.

             

The claims that are made by the White clergymen are for the most part false. Though their wishes are noble at the surface level, they turn a blind eye to what is reality. For an example, they claim that the marches and other demonstrations that are put on by members of the "Negro" community are “unwise and untimely” stating that there are better alternatives to achieve the goals that the Black community wishes to achieve. This is not true, seeing as negotiations were called for and ignored previously, thus proving that the demonstrations were necessary for proper reform. They also claim that the actions taken by “outsiders” have “not contributed to the resolution of our local problems” and even claimed that they incite hate and violence. This is flat out untrue. Obviously, seeing as segregation has now ended for the most part the actions that were taken did contribute to the resolution of the local problems. Also the goal of the reformers was to end the hatred and violence that was currently ensuing, which was achieved.

            The clergymen commended the local police force for their attempts to remain nonviolent. This angers me. I fully agree with Dr. Martin Luther King when he states that their nonviolence only helps to preserve the system of segregation. They are similar to the lukewarm church of Laodicea. They are not performing outright evil acts of violence, but nor are they performing acts of justice by aiding the call for desegregation. Their restraint actually partially promotes evil, because it creates a rallying point for those who want to continue the system of segregation. They can look at it and say that their slate is clean and nothing has been done wrong because they are nonviolent, which in the end hurts the desegregation movement.

             

Though their motives are indeed pure and sincere I believe the eight clergymen who wrote “A Call for Unity” are actually a thorn in the side to the desegregation movement, and I am personally glad that MLK decided to respond to that particular letter. He said what needed to be said to make a point that is not common sense.

Guy, Lacey: Diversity

While reading A Call for Unity, many feelings swelled up inside me. Most of those

 feelings had to do with disgust and confusion. It's hard to grasp the fact that people are

 treated differently than others when I've grown up in such a diverse world, but reading

 this made me realize how strongly i feel about people being mistreated. 

   

On April 12, 1963, the Alabama clergymen wrote A Call for Unity to address the

 peaceful protests, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Birmingham Alabama. The clergy

 described Dr. King's protests as "unwise" and "untimely". Those words irritated me. 

How could someone judge a protest as unwise when so many people were being

 treated unfairly? It seems as if the wise thing to do in that situation would be stand up. I

 do not see anything wrong with groups coming together to fight for a cause, especially

 when they do it in a peaceful manner. Also, I believe it is never the wrong time to stand

 up for your rights when you're being treated unfairly. Things needed to be changed as

 soon as possible in hopes that the future would be brighter. The fact that the clergymen

 wanted to move the protests to the courts made it seem as if they saw the protestors as

 doing something wrong. When did acting on you rights, from The Bill of Rights, become

 a crime? If all they wanted to do was push "problems" aside and persecute innocent

 people, i feel as if they were not ready to deal with the changed that was needed. It's as

 if they were delaying the inevitable.

   
On April 16, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King wrote a letter in response to A Call for

 Unity titled Letter from a Birmingham Jail. In this letter, King described the protests

 through his own perspective and told the clergymen that he was not willing to give up

 until the injustice was fixed. He addressed the clergymen's misuse of the word

 "outsiders" and went on the state "Anyone who lives inside the United States can never

 be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds." I support this statement fully. 

The country needed to come together as a whole to stand against the injustice, because

 we all should  be equal. The rest of the letter entailed King's hopes for the future. I

 believe Martin Luther King's letter was inspirational. Not only did he calmly express his

 opinions, he did it with such poise. He didn't necessarily try to talk down to or condemn

 the clergymen; he only tried to open their eyes to change. In the end, he even

 apologized, hoping no hard feelings were exchanged. If more people focused on the

 issues instead of lashing out, i believe this country would be more open to change.

   

King's words calmed me after being so frustrated from reading A Call for Unity. 

His letter gave me hope that there are people in this world who are willing to stand up

 for diversity, just like Dr. King, and that diversity is something that still needs to be

 worked on today, because it would be horrifying to ever have such racial prejudice

 again.

Bowling, Emily: Diversity

            In 1963 Blacks in the South began to stand up for themselves. They had seen their fellows tortured and killed for way too long. They wanted justice and wouldn’t settle until they received it. They began to demonstrate, sit-in, and march to bring attention to this problem.

“A Call for Unity” was written by eight white clergymen in Birmingham, Alabama in April of that year. It was such a big controversy that it ended up being published in a local Birmingham newspaper. The eight clergymen urged Blacks to end their demonstrations, because they were being led by outsiders. The clergymen thought it would be better for Blacks to use the courts to negotiate the rights that they were being denied. It was not long after this letter was published that Martin Luther King Jr. responded with “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. Martin Luther King Jr. responded in a very mature fashion, he did not lash out at the clergymen he just simply stated that the demonstrations were the only way that Blacks could get through to people. He stated that going to the courts would have been a good idea, but he knew good and well that the White men who ran the courts would never open their ears to what Blacks had to say. Martin Luther was a Christian man who came to Birmingham to change the hearts of people and make things right for the people in Birmingham.

            

 I agree with Martin Luther King Jr., he knew Whites would not listen to his people. The loud demonstrations were the only way to get through to them. It saddens me to think that the demonstrations were their last resort. I do not understand how Whites could be so deaf to change. They would intentionally hurt Blacks just to avoid integration. I respect King for the way he addressed the clergymen. I believe the sit-ins and demonstrations that Blacks resorted to in 1963, paved the way for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the rest of the African-American community to eventually integrate the town of Birmingham.

Beavers, Michelle: Diversity

After Martin Luther King and his followers took action to gain rights and freedom, Doctor King was thrown in the Birmingham jail. While he was serving his time in jail, the letter "A Call for Unity" was printed in the local newspaper. This letter called King's efforts "unwise and untimely" and says that simple negotiation would have worked just fine. After Doctor King read this letter, he responded with the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," which explains to the clergymen why Blacks were taking action and the reasoning behind the actions taken. Reading King's response, I believe King was very respectful, talking to the clergymen as equals, and stated the reasoning for his actions very well. 
   
Doctor King believes there are four steps to a nonviolent campaign: collecting facts, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action. Everyone knew and can see that racial injustice existed in Birmingham, especially in the courts. So the facts were plain in sight. Then, Doctor King states that Blacks tried negotiating with the merchants kindly, asking the merchants to take down racial signs. However, as King pointed out to the clergymen, "A few signs, briefly removed, returned; others remained." Negotiation efforts were simply ignored and pushed to the side. King was always for nonviolence, so the next step taken was self-purification. This was when Blacks gathered for workshops and asked themselves, "Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?" and "Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail?" Doctor King knew how he wanted the protesting to go, and he did not want violence to be a apart of it. Lastly, direct action was taken to start tension. Tension was not made, tension that already existed was merely brought out into the open for everyone to acknowledge. With this tension, the ignored issue of blacks bing treated unfairly could not be ignored much longer.
   
Doctor King did not believe that any kind of direct action could be called timely or wise, at least not to the oppressor. King states, "freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." King is right in this aspect. The oppressed will eventually come out; they can not remain oppressed forever. Any privileged person or group will never think to voluntarily give up privileges to someone less fortunate. So any time an unprivileged person or group asks to be put on or looked at on the same level, it is considered untimely and unwise.   
   
In the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," Doctor King was very respectful in everything he said. He addressed the clergymen as equals at the beginning and end of the letter, saying "fellow clergymen," and "Christian brother." King is not sour or mad at any mistreatment done to him or his people in the letter. He simply wants changes to be made. He wants racial prejudice done with. He says "our great nation," pointing out that we are all from the same place and are all Americans. King wants these clergymen to understand that he is not against them; King simply wants his "Christian brothers" to help him and his people gain their rights.

Sorsby, Amy: Diversity

Martin Luther King was one of the few men in this ‘free’ country who stood up for what he believed in, but his only problem was he was in the 1960s and also – a Black man. African Americans were being pushed to their limit by the government by not being able to vote and being slaves to White Americans. It took a few African-American leaders to stand up and defend them all. Even some children stood up because King inspired them. That’s what he did by writing “Letter From Birmingham Jail.”

            MLK uses more than one example and supports each statement with appropriate use of his own knowledge. They said that his strike was “unwise and untimely” and he begins the letter with sarcasm stating that he knows they are good, genuine men. Then he argued that human rights must come before unjust laws. He defended the impatience of civil rights protestors, as well as their use of civil disobedience in order to force the community to acknowledge and to respond to serious problems that were happening in Birmingham. He stated, "Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension, that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue."

            MLK also argued that the laws were unjust. He said that they were morally unjust because the Bible talks about unjust acts and segregation is definitely unjust. After, he argued that segregation was unjust because unjust laws do not follow democratic process and Blacks couldn’t vote therefore it was not a democracy. He stands between two extremes of Black action. He isn’t sitting there and letting it all happen, but he does not hate the White man. He warns that without his nonviolent movement, the extreme of Blacks hating Whites will win out and cause more violence.

           

He expresses his disappointment with the church because they are not even trying to do anything about the situation. The church altogether had no impact on society anymore, but he had faith in some of the members of the churches because they had come to him individually.  

             

African Americans were pushed to the limit. They all were either fed up and striking against the White man or too scared to say what they felt. America should never make someone feel like they should be too scared to state their opinion. That’s the background on why he wrote his letter to the council; he could not resist any longer without saying anything and he thought that everyone else should too.

Owens, Landon: Diversity

A nation founded by immigrants. This is how America began and it is how it has continued to grow and change. Diversity has shaped America throughout its existence. It has brought racism, prejudice, and turmoil as well as created a unique culture found nowhere else on earth. It was what makes America the nation that it is. Now more than ever, our culture is becoming even more diverse. If it weren’t for a series of important events however, our country’s unique diversity would not exist in the same way.

The essays, A Call for Unity and A Letter from Birmingham Jail, show the racial tensions in the U.S. during the Sixties. Ideas on diversity were much different in those times than they are now. That was a time when there was a much larger gap between Blacks and Whites. The two letters show both sides presented in an educated way without showing hatred. It is important that both sides are presented in such a way so that they can meet on common ground. Both essays were sincere attempts to somehow come to some type of peaceful resolution.  This was during one of the most important times in history for our nation to become a diverse but unified country. Through this time period, as well as others, diversity became a key part of American culture.

There has always been diversity in America, but not always cooperation and understanding. These two letters show an important time in history when diversity was not accepted as it is today. In my life, I have seen a large increase in diversity since coming to college. I came from a small town with a limited diversity. However, in college, there is more diversity in every class than there was back home. The diversity of America has been an essential point to changing it. It will continue to change over the years and shape our world each and every day.

Meyer, Cheyenne: Diversity

Anyone who hears the name “Martin Luther King Jr.” automatically thinks about how much of an American hero and martyr, as well as an advocate for social justice and equality he truly was. Through countless demonstrations and peaceful protests, King led a movement unlike any this nation had ever seen before. After reading and analyzing King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” and a response from white ministers “A Call for Unity,” I was allowed insight into King’s true thoughts and feelings, and the obstacles he had to overcome to fight for justice in America.

            

 Although “A Call for Unity” was an important document expressing the “white point of view,” I was fascinated by King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” Within the letter, I discovered many profound thoughts and ideas that truly made me step back and examine our society. Many phrases contained in the letter prompted me to reflect upon where we’ve been, where we are, and in what direction we are going in the future in America.

             

The first phrase that really caught my attention read “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” To me, this phrase can be applied to almost any situation where one tries to justify his cruel actions by saying “Everyone is doing it.” There is definitely strength in numbers. If an injustice is accepted in one area, others in different areas will be more likely to commit the same act (such as racial discrimination, in King’s case) because they believe it is widely acceptable to do so. Justice can be threatened nation-wide, or even universally, if it is undermined in one place.

             

Another prominent idea I noticed in the letter involved the word “Wait!” King mentioned that for years, African Americans were told to “wait” for things to change. It seemed, however, that “wait” almost always meant “never.” They say good things come to those who wait, but it must have been unrealistic and discouraging to those who were constantly asked to wait on something that should have been available the entire time.

           

A final idea that caught my attention was “An unjust law is no law at all.” This idea, which originally was coined by St. Augustine, is deeply discussed in the letter as King explains the difference between just and unjust laws. Like St. Thomas Aquinas said, “Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.” Restrictions that were placed on African Americans during King’s time were most certainly degrading and unjust, so it was absolutely appropriate to bring up this idea.

             

Although only three ideas were discussed, King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” contained many great concepts and profound thoughts that brought to surface exactly what injustices African Americans were forced to face. Reading this letter, as well as “A Call For Unity”, provided me with much insight into the thoughts of many very important leaders during the time of racial oppression in America.

Jeon, Heekyung: Diversity

Until we were able to peacefully live in the nation of diversity all together, there had been lots of struggles of African-American people against race discrimination and the injustices of  society.

In the past, there were White churches in which African-Americans were not allowed to join for services. Black people were despised and treated with disdain by White people. White churches just kept silent when Black people appealed for justice and true freedom. However, after constant movements BY people such as Martin Luther King Jr. who desperately desired for human equality, African-Americans eventually achieved their deserved human rights. Nowadays, the United States is obviously well-known as one of the nations which racial discrimination barely exists.

Sadly, despite all Americans’ efforts to get rid of the racial injustice, racial discrimination is still deeply ingrained. For example, there are still many “historically black” colleges in which more than 90% of the students are Black. Also, this year a Black mother who was sentenced to 10 days in prison because she sent her daughter to a school in a White district. Furthermore, Black defendants with White victims are more likely to get stronger punishments than White defendants with Black victims when they commit the same crime. Some kids are taught that different races are not supposed to be married and grow up with racism.  

Before I came to the United States, I expected lots of mixed-race couples walking in the street and Black and White college students talking and giggling to one another in a group on the campus because America is multicultural. Instead, I have observed Black-White racial segregation and stereotypes about other races. Through my experiences while studying in the United States, I realized that the racial issues have not completely been solved even 57 years after the African-American Civil Rights Movement.  I hope the day comes soon when all races realize the true meaning of human rights, practice on equality, and mingle well with other races without any stereotype.

Brinkley, James: Diversity

Diversity is an issue that’s controversial in quite a few societies. A Call for Unity and Letter from a Birmingham Jail reveal opposing views about how to approach a resolution for segregation in the city of Birmingham. A Call for Unity calls for negotiation and less tense tactics to resolve the harsh treatment of colored people and blames Martin Luther King for inciting an aura of hostility in Birmingham. King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail is a rebuttal, in which he justifies his involvement and relays the problems with the opposing view.

In A Call for Unity, eight white clergymen of Birmingham, Alabama express views that originate from an oppressive mentality. Martin Luther King correctly identifies the flaws of their mindset, in which they sympathize with the ultimate goal of freedom, but discourage the use of any activities that cause commotion. The clergymen advise the use of negotiation and blame the interference of Martin Luther King as the source of Birmingham’s tension. In actuality, Birmingham’s tension is due to the peaceful and lawful demonstrations led by Martin Luther King, but they are completely necessary. The oppressed are left with no alternative methods for obtaining freedom other than by demand. Tension is a necessary component in convincing an oppressive majority to change for the better of an oppressed minority.

Without the support of an outside source, the Blacks of Birmingham are unable to argue against segregation on fair terms. Particular laws of Birmingham regarding them are unjust and the issue is addressed by Martin Luther King. He states that people are obligated to obey just laws and inclined to change unjust laws. The laws of Birmingham are developed to bring only a few rights to Blacks and King merely casts his support because such laws are difficult for a minority to change by themselves. For example, King comments on the “devious methods” being used to prevent Blacks from voting. It’s very difficult for a people’s voice to be heard when they aren’t even allowed to submit their opinion. King himself is ridiculously arrested because he lacked the proper permit for a public demonstration.

In conclusion, King’s influence is very necessary for the cause of the Blacks of Birmingham. The requests of the clergymen may be justifiable, but not under the circumstances of the situation. When considering diversity, people must realize it’s absolutely everywhere. Unfortunately, the people of Birmingham make the least of their diversity, but there are always other people that try to mold diversity into a positive and beneficial aspect of society.

Chapman, Jordan: Diversity

When I compared “A Call for Unity” and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” I came to the conclusion that Martin Luther King Jr was more morally correct than were the other seven clergymen. What the clergymen wanted was to stop all of the demonstrations and have negotiations instead. What they did not understand is what King explained to them in his letter. He basically told them that without the demonstrations there would be no negotiations. This is where I agree with him. The clergymen did not factor in that there was still racial discrimination. Although the White community had been doing well by being nonviolent, the courts wouldn’t give the Black community the time of day. Therefore the only way to achieve change was by the demonstrations.
   
 King was in Birmingham for a purpose, and that purpose was for all of the injustice in the city. As he said, “Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of brutality is widely known. Negroes have experienced grossly unjust treatment in the courts.” He was there to bring justice to the city. The Blacks of Birmingham had gone through rough times, and the clergymen who wrote “A Call for Unity” commended the white community for their good behavior.
   
The reasons that Blacks living in the city supported the demonstrations was because of the manner they were treated prior to these demonstrations. The clergymen wanted negotiations, and so did the Blacks. The reason for their “direct-action” was to finally be able to negotiate. By simply keeping the peace they knew that the arrangements and promises necessary would not be met. “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed” said King.
   
Martin Luther King Jr was not disagreeing with his fellow clergymen but agreed with them. Although he did argue that without direct-action there would be no negotiations. He was simply showing them the injustices that the community of Birmingham had allowed to fester. The clergymen were blind to these facts, and King hoped to open their eyes with his letter.

Haydel, Emily: Diversity

In A Letter From Birmingham Jail Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about nonviolent protest as opposed to violent protest in response to another letter, A Call for Unity. I agree with Martin Luther King Jr. in that I believe nonviolent protest is far superior to violent protest. If violent protest is used then violence will be used to battle the protestors which will cause more violence back from the protesters. This will cause a ladder of growing violence. Also, there may be many unnecessary deaths and injuries caused by the violence.

    
I believe that non-violent protest is more successful too. If violence is used against nonviolent protesters then most onlookers will feel either guilty or angered. This will, in effect, create more supporters of the cause that is being protested. In this case the controversy is racism. Racism still exists unfortunately, but thanks to the many nonviolent protests in the past, minorities of all cultures are protected by law and given the same rights as the White majority. Thanks to the protests, minorities such as Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, have the same rights as Whites. They no longer have to be separated because of their color or their culture. No more will they have to suffer the embarrassment of having to drink from separate fountains, work certain jobs while being denied others, or be forced to go to separate schools or churches.

    
I believe that the rights minorities of all races have today is all thanks to the nonviolent protesters of the Black culture and the White people who protested alongside them. Thanks to them, minorities today are legally protected from acts of hatred and racism. They are also protected from racial prejudice. Lastly they are protected from racial discrimination and from embarrassment due to being forced to be separate from the White American majority.

Acharya, Prashant: Diversity

The two letters: "A Call for Unity" and "Letters from Birmingham Jail" offer two 

distinct solutions to a pressing problem of that time, 1963 to be specific. These two 

letters written at the height of the racial tensions and civil rights movement divided 

people roughly into two groups. One group believed that the civil disobedience 

campaign of Dr. Martin Luther King was legitimate and was the right thing to do, whereas 

other group strongly disagreed with this notion and thought it was morally and legally 

inappropriate.

          For me, Dr. King's letter was inspiring on all levels. From his choice of words to 

the reasoning he provided in the letter; they were all simply astounding. The letter 

overflowed with his vast knowledge and ideas. Take for an example: "justice too long 

delayed is justice denied." Dr. King has explained his ideas in a very elaborate way with 

many perfectly fitting examples. The letter is of the highest quality and I think it should be 

read by everyone to lead them to the righteous path by separating just and unjust laws 

and standing against the moral wrong doings in the society.

  
          Now talking about "A Call for Unity," I can see where these clergymen are coming 

from and kind of understand their points of view. But I cannot in any way agree with their 

opinions or support them. These clergymen, in a way, wanted peace and harmony in 

the society but their stance on this artificial peace would have only ignited a fire of 

disgust and hatred leading to a violent retaliation against the status quo.  


          It's ethically acceptable to stand against morally unjust laws. When certain 

segments of the population are suppressed on the basis of the color of their skin and 

there are people who oppose such notions for equality, then it's a moral obligation of 

every citizen to join in the protest. Even if it means crossing few legal boundaries. In their 

letter, these clergymen talked about going to courts and using negotiations to resolve the 

issue at hand. But that was ridiculous because the legal system back then still saw 

Black people as second-class citizens and those negotiations never resulted in anything 

conclusive enough to not require those street demonstrations. 

  
          These kind of issues are never solved by waiting and hoping for time to bring the 

winds of change along. When people are deprived of their rights, it's their obligation to 

demand them. These two letters clashed. Just by reading them, I could 

vividly envision those days of struggle. Overall, these letters were definitely significant in 

1963 and even today they have not lost their place.

Sorsby, Taryn: Diversity

The purpose of "A Call For Unity" was to explain to the Black population that Whites (who supposedly agreed with their idea that segregation was wrong) believed that "outsiders" should not be the leaders of public protest, but that individuals needed to react locally. The writers felt that the demonstrations were unwise, and that though the people's plight was understandable, it was necessary for the process to slow down and be redirected.

In Martin Luther King's "Letters from Birmingham Jail," he argued that though the "outsider" comment was directed at him, being a member of our country made him local anywhere he deemed fit to be on the continent. "Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever," King reminded. He also held that while there was a need to go to authority when morals were challenged, other actions must be taken when that authority has been corrupted. To the idea that the process of desegregation needed to be tamed, Dr. King explained that there was no way that could possibly happen without negative consequences.

While in some places, racism can still be an issue, I'm glad that for the most part it has disappeared. If I'd been alive during segregation, it would've seemed wrong to me. I would have hated it, and probably spoken against it. To see in history books and documentaries the struggles that Black people went through, it almost makes me despise Whites (forgetting that I am one.) To see the first letter, and then Dr. King's reply, I have solace in the fact that Dr. King stood up for his race, and even lost his life in pursuit of that one thing that they so desperately wished for. 

Freedom is a concept that we as human beings often take for granted, because we can never appreciate it the way our ancestors did. It is through struggle that freedom is achieved.

Cobb, Lacey: Diversity

In the mid-1900s, the many of the Southern states experienced segregation between the White and Black races. The towns were segregated and most public places were too, including schools and restaurants. Black people, often referred to as "Negroes," weren't allowed the right to vote or to take part of any political campaign. The Blacks then began to fight for their rights, which caused many problems between them and the White people. As a result, eight clergymen wrote a letter, A Call For Unity, expressing their ideas as to why these Black people should not march up and down the streets, but instead settle their problems in the court. However, Martin Luther King Jr. strongly disagreed with their ideas as he explained in his Letter From A Birmingham Jail.
   

A Call For Unity, written by eight clergymen, was a letter that addressed the need for African Americans to end their public demonstrations and engage in local negotiations. The clergymen strongly urged Blacks to go to the courts to deal with their rights that were being denied. What sparked King's response, however, was not that these men had written this letter, but the fact that they referred to the demonstrations as unwise and untimely, directed by and led by outsider agitators.
   

While sitting in his jail cell, King replied to these men about their letter. Though he seldom replied to criticism, he thought that the clergymen were very genuine and sincere. While they thought that his actions were very unwise and untimely, King felt quite the opposite about them. The only way to solve that the problems Blacks were facing was to have direct action. He explained that although it may have seemed as though Blacks were being impatient with their hopes slow in being realized, if the same thing were to happen to White people they would want to take direct action too. He also points out that while the clergymen referred to him as an outsider, the truth was, in fact, that anyone living in the United States cannot be considered an outsider.
   
Like King, I too believe that his actions were all but unwise and untimely. When it comes to the unjust, someone has to take a stand and fight for what is right. King did just that, and if he had waited any longer, nothing would have happened to improve the situation affecting every Black person. Segregation is unjust; God created every man equal and therefore those black people had then right to fight for their equality.
  
Segregation was a big problem back in the mid-1900's and is still a problem today, although it is not nearly as bad. When reflecting on these two letters, it is obvious how simple-minded the clergymen are about the situation between the Whites and the Blacks. They see it from only their perspective and not once think about what it would be like if they were African Americans; only if they saw it from the eyes of Black people would they then realize just how wise and timely King's actions were. 

Curbelo, Isabella: Diversity

After reading two opposing articles, A Call for Unity and Martin Luther King Jr's A Letter From Birmingham Jail, it's clear that two completely different ideas, cultures, groups of people had opinions and saw no reason to back down from them. These oppositions were results of different regions of the United States, different backgrounds, and different moral standards. When one reads into each side, it's easy to realize why people act the way they do.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was right when he talked about the different kinds of people there are. Some people didn't want to deal with the consequences of the civil rights movement, others didn't care enough to get involved, and others actually benefited by the segregation taking place. Of course the latter group would rather continue benefiting than not. 

I believe that during those hard times people had to have an altruistic perspective on life to care enough to look past themselves and onto the much greater realms of society. Those that didn't have this innate characteristic were the ones that created resistance to the movement. Even though in retrospect most feel that Martin Luther King Jr.'s words were true, at the time it's quite easy to see why most didn't. People, since the beginning of time, have been scared of change--scared of its possible outcomes on life. This time was no different. Even though some like King had a clear vision into the future and could see how humanity would benefit from this kind of change, most had a mindset that nothing good could come of treating everyone equal. 

It's safe to say that society hasn't changed much. Though there are still issues of segregation in the United States, other issues have taken a greater role of importance and people still act much in the same old way. There's a sense of morality in all the issues we face as Americans today; some choose to take bold stands and change the world, while others resist because they might not benefit the way they think they should. Still, things take place and just like the segregation issues in the 50s and 60s, things are inevitably changing due to people's action and lack thereof.

Emerson, Sarah: Diversity

Although the eight white clergy men's criticisms were "sincerely set forth," their inability to experience the African Americans' struggle during 1963, ultimately caused their ignorance to why the nonviolent demonstrations were needed.

The eight clergymen were natives to Birmingham, Alabama, one of the prime locations in America where Black citizens were denied their rights due to racism. I understand the point of view the clergymen had; to seek justice through the legal system instead of creating tension with demonstrations. Nevertheless, the clergymen were unaware of how deeply embedded racism was in the legal system. The court system was not going to bring change. Martin Luther King Jr. illustrates for the reader how African Americans became agonized with the legal system because they put off racial issues instead of confronting them. "Wait" became a very painful word, because after generations of patience, the word "wait" became "never." The white politicians in Birmingham ultimately didn't want the Black race to be able to exercise their rights, which resulted in their procrastination: "Justice too long delayed is justice denied." Constant rejection in the legal system called for a more direct offense to gain civil rights.

Martin Luther King Jr. was referred as an "outsider looking in" by the clergymen. Despite Luther's organization being located in Atlanta, Georgia his message was universal. I agree with his statement about how location is irrelevant: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." If these human rights organizations had not gotten involved, Birmingham's injustice would've threatened African Americans' citizenship across America. What the clergymen failed to recognize is how the generations of hardship caused the Black race to take any threat very seriously. The clergymen never had to endure the "stinging darts of segregation." Their children never had a "cloud of inferiority" fill their minds. The clergy men never had witnessed their loved ones being lynched or hurt by an angry White mob. The clergymen should not judge the organizations' tactics, because the White clergymens' opinion will always be biased. They were unable to take a walk in a black man's shoes, and cannot understand how it feels to have your freedom threatened.

The nonviolent demonstration is a effective option, and I admire whoever decided to use it. Creating a circumstance that legal action must be taken, all while maintaining one's dignity, creates a losing situation for the opponent. "The process of self purification" humbles the direct action. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists underwent a workshop on nonviolence. They asked themselves questions like: "Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?" and "Are you able to deal the ordeal of jail?" Upholding high standards, while the white mobs responded with violence proved to the community and the nation who was in the wrong. The white clergymen may not like the tension the demonstrations caused between races in Birmingham, but they cannot argue that it is unmoral or unethical.

In conclusion, the actions of Martin Luther King Jr. were done for specific reasons. The intentions of the eight White clergymen may have been to maintain peace, but their lack of experience and knowledge about the movement caused their biased opinion.

Yang, Zichao: Diversity

As an international student, I am not very familiar with American history. After I read “A call for unity” and “ Aletter from Birmingham jail”, I did some background research about those articles. I know that the voice of the African-American community was muted for many years. Segregation suppressed the voice as it oppressed the community and stripped it of freedoms. But when the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. rolled around, and when African Americans gained a new sense of dignity, they decided to stand up, or, in many cases, sit down, for their right to freedom.  He is more than assured of what he is arguing about. His tone is assertive. His letter projects an intransigent attitude. King was calling people to rise up from passivity and take a stand in a nonviolent manner. Compared to King, the tone of “A call for unity”, written by the eight white clergymen is much softer than King. The rationale of their article was trying to get peace and calm negotiations. Doing so might make African American people wait longer to get their rights.

Compared to the White community, the Black community was given fewer opportunities, privileges, and respect. Their voices and opinions were not heard and if they were heard, they were still ignored. However I believe everyone in this world should have equal rights, no matter whether a person is white or black or yellow. The real owners of this land are the Indians, not White people or Black people. Black people deserve same rights as what White people have. We should not divide people by color or race. Everybody has the right to live the way they want. No one wants to be treated differently from others. I believe racism is the last thing people should do while they are alive.