The nation is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day to commemorate one of the greatest civil rights activists. King was known for his nonviolent approach in gaining equality for people of color. On top of equality, King valued peace and understanding, which is something this nation has lost.
The lack of respect people have for each other is deeply rooted, but they are becoming more comfortable with it because of the current president. The president’s rhetoric in the past included calling the countries of Haiti and El Salvador “s---hole countries.”
He also has made alarming comments about his daughter, saying, “She does have a very nice figure. I've said if Ivanka weren't my daughter perhaps I'd be dating her.”
It’s a lot to blame someone for an issue that has been relevant since the beginning of time, but when an authority figure, such as the president, has no respect for women and people of color, that can lead to others feeling more justified in their bigotry.
The south further disrespects King with its reluctance to acknowledge the holiday. In Alabama and Mississippi, the Sunday before MLK Jr. Day, Robert E. Lee Day is celebrated. Lee was the Confederate general during the Civil War. Modern supporters of the Confederacy, called Neo-Confederates, keep racism and white supremacy alive. It is disrespectful to continue to honor and celebrate a symbol of racism, such as the Confederate flag, the day before the nation celebrates a symbol of peace and justice.
King would be disappointed because violence has resurged since his death. The riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh show just how aggressive bigotry has become. One of King’s principles was that nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. King, being an advocate of nonviolent social change, was able to inspire an effective movement that changed the nation forever. Society would benefit from referring back to this principle to prevent any more casualties.
To truly commemorate King, there needs to be a deeper understanding of his message of equality and peace, along with respecting one another. Educating others to create a community is key. Whether people agree or disagree, there needs to be a mutual level of respect as the nation honors and celebrates a powerful African-American man.
Iana Fields is a freshman studying English creative writing at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Iana? Tweet her @FieldsIana.
