January 17, 2000

A Birtday Dilemma

Yesterday was the day set aside to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to celebrate and remember his tremendous vision and achievements. This being Atlanta, and Dr. King being a very important part of Atlantas history, it certainly was no surprise that there was a march through downtown planned in honor and memory of him. The march went down a street which goes directly in front of my building. When I looked out the window and saw it approaching I went downstairs to check it out.

There was a small crowd lining the street and I had no trouble finding a spot to watch from. I confess that I had a preconceived notion of what was going to happen. I thought this would be a joyful march, a march of peace and celebration. I cannot adequately explain how shocked I was when I discovered that the first few groups marching down the street had a different agenda. They were chanting all right, but rather than chants of solidarity, peace or brotherhood, the words coming out were more like threats. No justice, no peace, no food. No, no, no, no, no. There was an aura of anger so palpable that you could almost literally touch it. Maybe I was over-reacting, but it felt very much like hate to me.

I guess shocked is not the right word I was stunned, I was surprised, it felt so wrong, and I had tears in my eyes. Surely this is not all that Dr. Kings memory has come to mean. I was so disheartened that I nearly went back into my office building. But I decided to wait a little longer and I am so glad I did. The vast majority of the groups carried signs with birthday wishes, thanks to Dr. King, and messages of hope and peace. There was joyous singing, drum beating and dancing. The feelings emanating from these groups were much different from that of the first few groups.

When the march was over I went back inside with a lot on my mind. What is this day really about? Does it mean something different to me, a white woman of European descent, than it does to a black man or woman? Was I so horrified at the first few groups because I was viewing their actions through MY cultural filter? I dont know.

I do know that this is a wonderful country to live in. All of those people had an equal right and opportunity to participate in the march. All were allowed to voice their opinions and present their agendas equally without fear of retribution or censure. Those groups with the angry chants may very well have reason to be angry. Perhaps they see their demonstration as the next logical step in advancing the cause that Dr. King fought and died for. Maybe Im not the one thats got the right idea here.

It was a lot to think about. It still is. But you know what? I do believe the spirit of Dr. King is alive and well still today.

I can feel the shock and horror you experienced, Sunshine, and the sense of relief that followed. And you’re right…his spirit does live on and the greatest thing about our country is that even the people

whose opinions we disagree with and even despise are granted the same freedoms we are…it’s hard to take sometimes, but it’s the only way, I think. Long live the memory of Dr. King. May his message of peace and jus

justice prevail! (sorry so windy today!) 🙂

i can only wonder..i have my own bewilderment about the subject..

Just catching up over the last few days. Lucky you to have such a great friend!

I would have been shocked too! I can just feel your astonishment here. That surprises me as well! {{{{{HUG}}}}}

discrimination is a two-way road that often finds expression in anger though they do not see that as discrimination. I do not think Dr. King Jr would have been proud. -Azriel NSI

I think we all experience such a day differently, our age/upbringing/race/even where we live affects our views on this man. As for me, I have a dream…

sophist

January 18, 2000

most of us like to think of King in that sweet nostalgic way of his early 60’s part of the movement–we liked him much better than Malcolm X because King didn’t frighten us;but King agreed with X….

and we forget the more aggressive approach King took toward the end of his life….and now it is 35+ years later and many ppl still do not have equality,still suffer from the shankles of society,still feel the rejec

feel the rejection….and there is no outlet for that anger because we say,”hey — it’s over!Move on!”I can imagine your shock & your relief & would have felt it myself…& now can allow it to sink in *hug*(windy!!)

ahem 🙂 I’m finished now *big bashful smile*

Until you’ve lived in another country, as I have, you don’t really appreciate this one. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I agree: We choose our parents so we can learn lessons with them.

I had wanted to write on this topic, havent had time, and was sleep deprived. Wow- palpable anger. Rants have a place…but not on a birthday. Happy would be Birthday MLK.

I would question MY feelings also in the same situation. I understand the anger (their’s) and I understand mine. Sad to say, most people never even see beyond the show of anger.

Just catching up – what a busy goddess you have been lately! And you even have the energy to participate and reflect. I’m impressed. You go, girl!

Now we think highly of this man all the way down here, doesn’t seem an appropriate way to honour him.

You’re right….it’s a tush pillow for me!!!! Thanks for the input sis. LOL…

Back !! . .happy as the happiest person in the world for ages and i choose to write when I’m a bit down ! . thats life I suppose.

I guess the groups saw the celebration as a good place to protest, where they had a captive audience where people would notice them.

Thanks for stopping by! Hooray for the nonconformists!

BBe

January 20, 2000

I’m glad you stayed too. I’m sure you were disheartened, but there’s always a few in a crowd,right? ANY crowd.

Until there is true equality, there will be groups such as you have described. If it weren’t for the zealots, despite (or maybe because of) the discomfort they cause, nothing would change (IMHO). Hugs,

It is lonely here in our minds, not knowing what the other thinks or how to let others know there is simply a desire to show care

I like to think of MLK Jr Day as a celebration of his life and accomplishments. But we change so slowly, one can almost understand anger/frustration where there should be joy.

The Rev MLK was a great man. Thank you for you insight.

I know what you mean. We don’t truly honor many of the important people in this world. Anger and hate so often get in the way of joy and hope. But maybe those groups viewed it as continuing his struggle.