New Year Revolution: MLK Dream or Nightmare

Note: This was written during MLK Day in January but can apply to Black History Month for February.

Dear Friends,

Some time ago was the day of celebration of the life of Martin Luther King. During this celebration, we find ways to use the teachings and speeches from MLK’s life. With that said, it is sad to see that his dream is slowly dying because there are more ignorant people in the world. Not only are there Caucasians but also African Americans who are acting ignorant and lacking the skills to understand MLK’s dream. This is my blog to clearly point out why people are so fucking ignorant and also why I wish MLK’s dream lives on in others.

First of all, it is easy to have common sense but hard to ignore it. I feel that people forget that because too many parents don’t disciple their kids. I am a child of beatings and abuse. It makes me fear and respect my mother. I have common sense. I don’t do anything disrespectful. However, kids don’t have that respect of others and themselves. Dr. King wanted us to do things without confrontation. He wanted us to do it non-violently. What’s sad is that kids don’t give a care that Dr. King is. However, if you ask kids who Jay Z or Kanye West is, they will in a heartbeat. I find it sickening that kids don’t want to know the hell and the sacrifice that my grandparents and great grandparents went through in the 1900’s to 1970’s to give me the right to vote, speak my mind and even become a citizen of the United States. I thank god I have common sense but will love that MLK gave hope to others. He still gives me hope today.

Second, I know the history as to why MLK has a holiday. I was only 2 when MLK day was established in 1980. Most states don’t celebrate it but Detroit and Toledo do. I hate that people will not acknowledge MLK day but will celebrate something idiotic like President’s Day. I hate that most people does not teach their kids that race is nothing but the personality should matter but most parents are taught by pricks and assholes. I love being me and I love that I can be friends with all races.

Third, I am reminded of a commentary from Martin Lawrence. He was joking about how MLK and Malcolm X had different ideologies. MLK was about non-violence and peaceful resistance. Malcolm X was about doing what you have to by any means necessary. In this world, it is more selfish because we are not into sharing with the world. We either want something someone else wants or we steal from others to get what we need. MLK was about social equality and change. All that work and others did is being wasted because the kids now don’t care about what MLK did for my generation or my mother’s generation. Especially in places like Detroit where people are killing their fellow brothers and sisters.

Finally, I think if MLK would be sick to see this world. I think he might be proud to see a man of color in the Presidency but the urban areas would be where he would draw the line. Seeing his home of Atlanta, and places like Detroit go to hell because the government, the younger generations and other factors. Some people might think I am being silly or dramatic but what I see is simply a dream dying. Even after his death, the urban areas were being turned into places of drugs, sin and debauchery. All I have to say is that I will live on with the dream of MLK. I will try to be peaceful and do things without violence. And with that said, that’s all for now but more to come.

Eugene Chandler III