Commentary on i have a dream speech. 4 Bible References in MLK Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech 2022-10-18

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"I Have a Dream" is a powerful and iconic speech that was delivered by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In this speech, King called for an end to racism and discrimination against African Americans in the United States, and he outlined a vision for a future where all people, regardless of their skin color, would be treated as equals.

One of the most striking aspects of "I Have a Dream" is the way that it combines rhetorical techniques with deeply personal and emotional content. King uses a variety of literary devices, such as repetition, parallelism, and imagery, to drive home his message and inspire his audience. For example, he repeats the phrase "I have a dream" throughout the speech to emphasize the importance of his vision for the future. He also uses parallelism to create a sense of unity and harmony, as when he says, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"

In addition to its rhetorical power, "I Have a Dream" is notable for the way it speaks to the lived experiences of African Americans in the United States. King draws on his own experiences as a black man in a segregated society to illustrate the injustices and inequalities that his community has faced. He speaks of the "lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity" in which many African Americans find themselves, and he calls on his listeners to imagine a world where "little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers."

Another key aspect of "I Have a Dream" is its emphasis on nonviolence and peaceful resistance. In the midst of the civil rights movement, when many African Americans were fighting for their rights through acts of civil disobedience and protests, King was a strong advocate for nonviolence. He believed that violence and aggression would only serve to escalate tensions and further divide the country, and he called on his listeners to "transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood."

Overall, "I Have a Dream" is a timeless and powerful speech that continues to inspire and influence people around the world. Its message of equality, justice, and nonviolence is as relevant today as it was when it was first delivered over fifty years ago. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what we believe in, and of the power of words to inspire and bring about change.

Commentary on "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr.

commentary on i have a dream speech

The only remedy for the problem of racism and racial prejudice is the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. . After King encourages his audience to continue to protest peacefully, he validates their cause and emotions. Repetition accentuates points the speaker wants the audience to remember. Either we believe that God delights in the racial and ethnic diversity of those made in His image, or we simply refuse to believe what the Bible so clearly teaches us. Students of American social and political history have come to see that Washington lived a double life.

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Transcript of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech : NPR

commentary on i have a dream speech

In this paper, I will explain all the contributions that Bayard Rustin had made to the Civil Rights movement during the mid to late 20th century and why he is not given credit for the other activities that he was responsible for. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. . The look to America, as it provides freedom and free speech for all. He also recognizes that many white people stand united with blacks in the fight for civil rights. We know that we will all face problems and trials in life and some of these are completely beyond our control. Reference List Black, Barry C.

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Analysis of Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech

commentary on i have a dream speech

Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Latest answer posted July 24, 2016, 9:38 am UTC 1 educator answer King utilizes logos when he states that his African American audience members must not blame and shun all White people, for there are White civil rights activists in the audience with them. The last date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. King contends there is still much work to do. He encourages them to avoid physical violence while they protest and to remember that there are many White Americans who want to work towards civil rights as well, as evidenced by their presence at the protest. The novel also demonstrates how language can be used to control minds.


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Commentary on "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King

commentary on i have a dream speech

However, critics will always be there to search for the wrongs. The second date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. When you listen to that speech, what jumps out at you? Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California. In order to supper his argument, the author uses convincing evidences which he observed in the society. The second date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. .

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What is the thesis of the "I have a dream" speech by Martin Luther King?

commentary on i have a dream speech

I have a dream today. Thus, King uses parallelism as a persuasive technique. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. But we have a responsibility to live in peace with individuals, to look beyond the color line to a relationship, and it can only come about when individuals understand what true love is all about. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

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I Have a Dream Summary & Analysis

commentary on i have a dream speech

King uses Anaphora to engage the audience in an emotional experience. These are all trials that test our faith. At a broader level, his speech urges the protesters present to have hope for the future of the United States and to continue fighting for social justice. The most basic of human rights is stolen from them. King closes with words from an old Negro spiritual, looking toward the day when people of every creed and color can join together and sing: 'Free at last! King's use of anaphora, or repetition of key phrases, helps emphasize important concepts.

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4 Bible References in MLK Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech

commentary on i have a dream speech

At the time of this speech, Black Americans had been exiled socially and politically for almost two centuries while white Americans enjoyed ever-increasing prosperity and opportunity. By giving short, simple sentences packed with powerful adjectives and dynamic verbs, the audience begins to feel the emotion. I would argue that King's thesis or main point is that the United States—a supposed land of the free—has not lived up to its promises. Since teenagers are the target not only of the educational system itself but also of advertising, the music industry, etc. We cannot walk alone.

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I Have a Dream Speech

commentary on i have a dream speech

The speech ends with a list of chiasmus to emphasize on certain points. People will become even more selfish and careless as time goes by if a remedy to this disease is not found. He seems to say that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, but it must be demanded by the oppressed. King and the Civil Rights Movement must continue. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. NPR's Talk of the Nation aired the speech in 2010 — listen to that broadcast at the audio link above. It is a difficult, but not impossible, goal.


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I Have a Dream Speech Analysis: Rhetorical Devices & Techniques

commentary on i have a dream speech

He builds his speech so that it was meaningful not only for political activists and Negro people, but to everybody. However, Martin Luther king left a legacy and is remembered on Martin Luther King Day every year. His life is an example providing hope to all. The most obvious persuasive techniques used in his speech is anaphora. Despite the achievements that Rustin had accomplished during his career as an activist, he was beaten, silenced, imprisoned, and fired from different organizations mainly because of the fact that he was a gay man living at a time that homosexuality was not only frowned upon, but also it was outlawed. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. And this I believe.

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"I Have a Dream" Speech Summary

commentary on i have a dream speech

A hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation, blacks are still segregated and second class. She just hopes this one dream would bring the family together under one roof. He argued passionately and powerfully. It is also considered as the best and greatest speech that was proclaimed in the history of the United States. The Younger family, including Beneatha, Lena, and Walter Younger, all had positive dreams that were taken away by the negative encironment that were surrounding them. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.

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