Tuesday, April 9, 2013

(#6) DQs on Martin Luther King, Jr.

Please answer the following questions after reading and listening to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech "I Have A Dream."
  1. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech compares the situation of African-Americans in 1863 to their situation in 1963. What are the differences? What are the similarities? 
  2. King refers to a check or a promissory note that was given to African-Americans. What is that promissory note? How does he develop the check image? 
  3. King’s speech is a call to action. To what kind of action? What do African-Americans want? Significantly, what kind of action does he warn against? Why? 
  4. The most quoted sentences of this speech repeat the phrase “I have a dream.” What are the elements of that dream? How does it relate to the “American Dream”? 
  5. King takes the phrase “let freedom ring” from the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Why is this important? How does he expand on this phrase? 
  6. How does King tie this phrase to the words of an “old Negro spiritual”? Why is this significant? 
  7. King was a Southern Baptist minister. What aspects, themes, images of his speech might be representative of Southern religious sermons?
  8. Of what aspects of American culture is King’s speech critical? 
  9. Did the speech lead to transformations in American culture? Explain your answer.

21 comments:

  1. 1. There are no differences. Everything is still the same after a hundred years. They are not free, but discriminated, bereft of any rights, and enslaved by segregation.
    2. The promissory is the Declaration of Independence and Constitution that promises equal rights for all men. However, it was just an illusion, because in the reality they did not have any rights, and definitely were not treated equal to the white men. It only gave the black people hope for better future, but it proved to be a lie. Martin Luther King, Jr. compares it to a check that was given to them, but never cashed. Therefore, he decided that it if finally time, that they receive what was promised to them but never accomplished.
    3.African-Americans want freedom, stop of racial segregation, equal rights that were promised to them. MLK warns against violence and force. Physical violence leads to distrust in white people and this cannot happen because both white and black people's freedom depends on each other. They must work together, not against each other to achieve it. Violence does not lead to freedom and peace between them but will create even more hatred.
    4. The elements of that dream are of course freedom of all kinds, the ability to live a normal life, where no one is judged based on their skin color, but on their behavior. He dreams of a life where white and black people are able to live together in peace, disregarding their skin color. It relates to the "American Dream" because if it comes, then it will be possible to pursuit of happiness.
    5. It is significant because since it is a patriotic song, that talks about freedom in America, then is should be truth. How can they sing about freedom in a country where there is segregation, violence and discrimination? MLK expands that phrase by pointing out about different places in America and referring to different religions. When there will be freedom everywhere in America and among all people then they will become united.
    6. He connected it because it both talks about freedom. It is significant because it shows that both black people and white people want the same: liberty and freedom.
    7.MLK mentions God many times, refers to people as "God's children", he does not want to use violence to get freedom, he talks with respect to people.
    8. MLK is critical of segregation, discrimination, lack of equal rights for everyone, misleading by a false Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
    9. This speech lead to transformation in American culture. This speech is very popular and everyone knows it. It is significant because it does not lead to violence, but is full of hope. We all have a "dream", so it connects people together. Discrimination will always exist, but there is no more segregation and everyone has rights that are not based on the color of one's skin.

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  2. 1. According to King, in 1963 Blacks were still forced to deal with segregation and discrimination while being relegated to the bottom rung of American society.
    2. A promissory note is a promise to pay a specified amount at a certain time. The check to which he is referring to is the inalienable rights which the language of the US Constitution granted to all citizens.
    3. King’s speech is a call for nonviolent action which will lead to equality and justice for the nation’s African-Americans. He warns against violent actions which will proliferate the bitterness and hatred that existed in the nation during this time.
    4. Once again King is making a plea for justice and equality for all Americans in his “I have a dream” phrase. It relates to the American dream in that it is the embodiment of the very dream which this country was founded upon.
    5. It is both ironic and important that King utilizes the phrase “let freedom ring” because the song “My Country Tis of Thee” refers to the US as a “sweet land of liberty” and this is the exact environment that King strived to create for Blacks in the United States during this time.
    6. King states that once freedom is finally allowed to ring from every part of the country, then we will finally be able to unite as a people and claim that we are free from the vices which held the country back for so long.
    7. I believe that the various references to many southern states even his inclusion of a negro spiritual, were representative of a southern Baptist preacher during this period.
    8. I think the speech is critical of the elements of American culture which allowed a dichotomous racial society to emerge in America while simultaneously instituting a social structure which was designed at the core to keep African Americans from prospering in the United States.
    9. This speech did not lead to changes in American culture. It was another step in the right direction and still is the most representative speech of the civil rights movement. It definitely helped to quantify the struggle to better the lives of millions of disenfranchised people who had no voice and no true representation in their own nation, however to say that this speech lead to transformations in our culture ignores the efforts of those who were campaigning and fighting for equality on a daily basis.

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  3. 1. The difference is that King wants all men to be created equally. The similarities are that both speak about slaves and how they were treated.
    2. The promissory note was the Constitution. He develops the check image by saying that the Negro people were given a bad check which was marked "insufficient funds" because they are not being treated equally.
    3. King's speech is a call for non-violent action. African Americans want segregation to stop and they want equal rights. King warns against violence because he believed nothing is accomplished through violence.
    4. When King repetitively uses the phrase "I Have a Dream" he dreams of a world where whites and blacks can get along. It relates to the American Dream because this is what our country was founded on.
    5. King uses the phrase "let freedom ring" to the patriotic song "My Country 'Tis of Thee" because it refers to the U.S. as a "sweet land of liberty." This is exactly what kind of world he wanted.
    6. King explains that once freedom is able to ring then we will be able to unite.
    7. King uses some Southern states, he talks about vicious racists that live in Alabama which are representatives of a Southern religious sermons.
    8. I think the speech is critical of the elements of American culture which allowed racial society to emerge in America.
    9. No, the speech did not lead to transformation in American culture because there are still people fighting for equality.

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  4. 1.King’s “I Have a Dream” speech compares the situation of African-Americans in 1863 to their situation in 1963. What are the differences? What are the similarities?
    Things have not changed. King points out “100 years later the Negros are still not free.” There is still segregation and inequality.

    2.King refers to a check or a promissory note that was given to African-Americans. What is that promissory note? How does he develop the check image?
    King says “America has given the negro people a bad check. A check which has come back marked with insufficient funds.” Implying that America has not been fair to them and they will not stop until freedom and justice is served.

    3.King’s speech is a call to action. To what kind of action? What do African-Americans want? Significantly, what kind of action does he warn against? Why?
    King’s speech is a call for nonviolence to receive equality and justice for the African Americans. He warns against violent actions because all it will bring forth is “hatred and bitterness” instead they shall get what they want with discipline and dignity.

    4.The most quoted sentences of this speech repeat the phrase “I have a dream.” What are the elements of that dream? How does it relate to the “American Dream”?
    The elements of that dream are justice and equality. It relates to the American Dream because it originates the same dream this country represents.

    5.King takes the phrase “let freedom ring” from the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Why is this important? How does he expand on this phrase?
    It is important because this song represents freedom for the country and he is making efforts to create the same thing for the African Americans.

    6.How does King tie this phrase to the words of an “old Negro spiritual”? Why is this significant?
    Old Negro spiritual is related to southern African-American Protestants and King expresses that all religions such as Jews, Gentiles, protestants, and Catholics shall unite and sing this powerful song to show equality.

    7.King was a Southern Baptist minister. What aspects, themes, images of his speech might be representative of Southern religious sermons?
    King mentioned all of God’s children will join hands black and white and sing the “Old Negro Spiritual and ended the speech with “Thank God Almighty”.

    8. Of what aspects of American culture is King’s speech critical?
    King’s speech is critical because people were being treated according to race. His main goal was for everyone to be treated equally and for everyone to unite as brothers and sisters.

    9.Did the speech lead to transformations in American culture? Explain your answer.
    This speech was a major movement that led to the beginning for the transformation in American culture. King stood up for all those people that wanted equality and justice. His words were known across the nation.

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  5. 1) King compared the America of 1863 with the country in 1963 to make clear that though black people were no longer living as slaves; they also were in many ways still considered second class citizens and were not yet fully freed after hundred years later. American blacks were far feared in modern America, they could vote, get admitted to the military as soldiers, play professional sports and all of them representing significant towards equality, but in the deep south many rights were still withheld from African American; they could marry white people, were barred from holding many jobs, and were often harassed by American terrorist group called Ku Klux Klan.
    2) The promissory note suggests the full qualities of freedom that are due to American Negro but have not yet been extended to him and so are still unpaid. He’s referring to the US Constitution and the rights guaranteed to all citizens.
    3) First and foremost, King is saying that Black Americans must put the government and their fellow citizens on notice that they will no longer tolerate or accept life as it was in second class citizenship. Also that they must struggle non-violently to achieve equality in the spirit and using the techniques that Mohandas K. Gandhi used to achieve freedom for Indian self-rule. In less non-violence is used, the consequences will damage the entire fight for freedom.

    4) Kings speech is call to the American people both black and white that cooperation is necessary for all to benefit and live a world of equality of for all. That was his dream the very foundation what America was suppose to be but had not yet achieve “ All men are created equal”

    5) King invokes “My Country Tis of Thee” as the most patriotic and traditional source embodying the belief in freedom for everyone including of course black people.
    6) The spiritual speaks of freedom in largely religious terms, the freedom of everlasting life and eventual union with god. King enlarges the meaning by indicating that blacks will after long struggle be finally in America free at last.
    7) Southern Baptist religious imagery would rely strongly on the old Negro spirituals which were made of by slaves to help them endure the tragedy and deep sadness of their lives as a result of slavery.
    8) Addressing all Americans to deal with the plight black Americans king needed to highlight several different perspectives. He put whites unnoticed that their good will was very much necessary; blacks that they must fight peacefully; society in general that they had waited long enough and hundred years and would not wait any longer.
    9) Kings speech clearly put the country on noticed pointed the way that change must take place. But this was hardly enough to ensure such a difficult changes would be acted upon any time soon.

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  6. 1.The difference between the situation of African-Americans in 1863 and their situation in 1963 is that in 1963 African-Americans had more freedom to be able to stand up and make a speech like Martin Luther King Jr. did. The similarities are that they still felt like they were not free and still discriminated against. Another similarity is that the majority of African-Americans were still in poverty and considered part of the lower class in 1963.
    2.The promissory note was the words of the Declaration of Independence that all Americans, white or black, are guaranteed “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” He compares a bad check to the black citizens in that their promissory note didn’t go through as a bad check wouldn’t.
    3.King’s call to action was for African-Americans to fight for the rights that they were promised as Americans. He warns against fighting in the wrong ways of bitterness and hatred. He wants blacks to gain the trust of whites so they could join them to fight for their rights.
    4.The elements of King’s dream were to be able to live equally among whites and be able to sit peacefully with them. Also to live in a nation of true freedom and justice where people won’t be judged by the color of their skin, but by their own personal character. The “American dream” has the same concept of living in a nation of freedom and justice where everyone has equal rights.
    5.The phrase “let freedom ring” is important because freedom should be universal and ring throughout every state in America. He expands on it by naming specific states that have an issue with freedom.
    6.The phrase is tied to an “old Negro spiritual” by stating that when America truly becomes free and the blacks have received all the rights they were promised, then they will be able to say the words of the spiritual. It is significant because that is the goal of King’s entire speech.
    7.Peace is a major part of religion and being a Baptist minister would imply being a peaceful man. His speech calls for peaceful ways of achieving freedom.
    8.The fact that America is a country of equal rights and freedom is critical to King’s speech. Also the diversity of Americans s pertinent to American culture.
    9.The speech led to the transformation of American culture because people opened up their eyes to the real issues that discrimination could lead to. Also King’s speech proved the power that lay behind African-Americans.


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  8. 1. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech compares the situation of African-Americans in 1863 to their situation in 1963. What are the differences? What are the similarities? There are no differences in that time according to the speech. The similarities are that segregation and inequality are still the main issue.
    2. The constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The check image is described as being “insufficient funds” meaning that the promise that all americans, including black and white would be guaranteed “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” has not been fulfilled.
    3. The kind of action that is called upon is to “demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.” African-Americans want “the promises of democracy” and “racial justice.” He warns against the nation thinking that the “Negro” is going to just rest and let this pass. They will not stop until “justice emerges.”
    4. The elements of the dream are that everyone would be free and all have equal rights..It relates to the American Dream for a better future and a future of racial harmony and integration.
    5. King takes the phrase “let freedom ring” from the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Why is this important? How does he expand on this phrase?This phrase is important because that will be the time when all are equal and he expands on this by freedom ringing from all over the place from mountain side to mountain side.
    6. How does King tie this phrase to the words of an “old Negro spiritual”? Why is this significant? “old Negro Spiritual” represents freedom and this is significant because both black and white want harmony in freedom and liberty
    7. King was a Southern Baptist minister. What aspects, themes, images of his speech might be representative of Southern religious sermons? He mentions the nation being Gods children many times and the “symphony of brotherhood”
    8. Of what aspects of American culture is King’s speech critical? Despite his own personal risk, he wanted to end racial segregation and achieve social change among all races.
    9. Did the speech lead to transformations in American culture? Explain your answer. I believe it has. Whether someones skin is black, white, tan, or even blue, we all have to abide by the same rules. This speech has moved many over the years and not with violence but with more of an understanding.

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  9. Marie B. Pulanco
    WRIT 303 TW2
    Professor D’Amato
    HW#6 King, “I Have A Dream”
    April 11, 2013

    1. The similarities between the 1863African-American situation and the 1963 situation are that both talked about the inequality in this nation against the African-Americans. The difference is that they are not slaves anymore. Although these African-Americans are not considered as slaves anymore after the emancipation in 1863, they still are not free. They still suffer from this racial segregation, discrimination and equality. They were considered second class citizens who are at the lowest level in the society.

    2. The promissory note that he was talking about is the Declaration of Independence that all men would be guaranteed of civil rights, liberty and happiness. King declares that they, African-Americans, should be treated equally and not to be discriminated for because of their color because they are part of American nation. He compared these words from the declaration of Independence as a form of check that they have to collect from the society and nation that was deprived from them because of their color. The check meaning their equal rights as a citizen of this nation.

    3. These African-American wants equality and freedom from racial segregation and discrimination. The call to action is a non violent cry for them desperately wanting to be treated equally as part of the nation and having their color or ethnic background that holds them against freedom.

    4. The quote “I Have A Dream” simply means that they are longing for this equality to happen. That King is dreaming of this freedom where all men, whites and blacks, can live equally in this nation because this dream is essentially what made this nation. The common understandings of all men about America where dreams of having a stable, comfortable life is what keeping them alive and what’s keeping them to move forward to in life.

    5. The phrase “let freedom ring” is important because it reflects the power that freedom brings upon all men. This freedom enables all individuals of different races to enjoy living and practice their rights as a citizen of the nation. Because if this phrase “let freedom ring” is attained by all, the feeling of it is comparable to what these African-Americans feel when longing to be free.

    6. King ties the phrase “old Negro spiritual” because freedom is essentially what these African-Americans are longing for. It is significant because freedom is all it takes for all nations to live equally and harmoniously in the world. This freedom will unite people and eliminate disparities among race and different ethnic background. Its basically all about attaining freedom.

    7. King being a Southern Baptist minister has longed for this freedom and equality with same devotion and passion he had for his religion. He doesn’t believe in violence but persistence as what any other minister does for their devotion to their religion.

    8. King is very critical of the falsity and misinterpretation of the Declaration of Independence because he believed that when it was stated “all men” it includes them African-Americans who are part of this nation. He is critical of how people perceived this statement that people view them as not part of this statement that’s why they were not treated equally and fairly by the society.

    9. Although there are still some issues regarding racial segregation and discrimination, I can say that this speech has become one of the vital and essential awakenings in the American transformation. It awakens people of other race, particularly the whites that these African Americans also have the rights to freedom and liberty the same way they are living and experiencing. In addition, it also awakens and enlightens all African-Americans that there is a hope for this nation to unite and be as one. People should learn to recognize and appreciate other people the same way they would want other people of different nation and different ethnic background to recognize and appreciate them.

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  10. Yajaira Minaya
    Writing 303-TW2
    Professor D’Amato
    HW#6 Dr. King Speech
    Aril 11th 2013

    1. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech compares the situation of African-Americans in 1863 to their situation in 1963. What are the differences? What are the similarities? 
    King’s “I have a dream” compares the situation in 1863 to their situation in 1963, One hundred years later is still not free, he/she is still segregated. African Americans are still suffering in exile in own land.
    2. King refers to a check or a promissory note that was given to African-Americans. What is that promissory note? How does he develop the check image? 
    King refers to the promissory note is the pursuit of happiness; the check image enables African-Americans to gain freedom to live freedom to chose.
    3. King’s speech is a call to action. To what kind of action? What do African-Americans want? Significantly, what kind of action does he warn against? Why? 
    Action in terms of freedom of equality and liberty. African-Americans want the opportunity to be able to be united in America, and be united as one. Not be guilty of wrong deeds, being able to to share with others from different culture background.
    4.The most quoted sentences of this speech repeat the phrase “I have a dream.” What are the elements of that dream? How does it relate to the “American Dream”? 
    “ I have a dream” relates to the “ American Dream” by mentioning the nation in a total will be able to understand and comprehend that everyone is equal and free not looking at the color of skin or religion. Children and adults will be judged by what they do not how the individual looks like.
    5. King takes the phrase “let freedom ring” from the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Why is this important? How does he expand on this phrase? 
    “Let freedom ring” is important because this is an idea of hope that the situation will change and get better, unfortunately, it hasn’t racism and injustice still exist.
    6. How does King tie this phrase to the words of an “old Negro spiritual”? Why is this significant? 
    7.King was a Southern Baptist minister. What aspects, themes, images of his speech might be representative of Southern religious sermons?

    8. Of what aspects of American culture is King’s speech critical? 
    Personally, I don't feel Kings speech is critical its more as a speech of hope and faith, a speech where he would like to see the nation as a whole to be.

    9. Did the speech lead to transformations in American culture? Explain your answer.
    Absolutely not, because after he gave his speech, he was assassinated, and still in the 21st century the American culture has yet to change, in my eyes its gone worse.

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  11. 1) King’s “I Have a Dream” speech compares the situation of African-Americans in 1863 to their situation in 1963. What are the differences? What are the similarities?
    The differences between them are that back in 1863 African-American were slaves, although slavery had ended prior to 1963, African-Americans did not see any difference of them being free. The similarities are racism; segregation and discrimination were still in full effect.

    2) King refers to a check or a promissory note that was given to African-Americans. What is that promissory note? How does he develop the check image?
    That promissory note is the constitution. He said although the people have been declared free, however that freedom is not enforced—hence the “insufficient funds.”


    3) King’s speech is a call to action. To what kind of action? What do African-Americans want? Significantly, what kind of action does he warn against? Why?
    King’s speech is a call for nonviolence, because African-Americans want their freedom to be acknowledge by everyone in the U.S, they want it implementated and they want an end to all segregation, discrimination and all the BEATING. He warns against violence because nothing will accomplish.

    4) The most quoted sentences of this speech repeat the phrase “I have a dream.” What are the elements of that dream? How does it relate to the “American Dream”?
    The elements of that dream are that one day blacks and whites will hold hands walking in harmony, no more injustice. And all this relate to the “American Dream” because all men (black, white) are created equal and have their freedom.

    5) King takes the phrase “let freedom ring” from the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Why is this important? How does he expand on this phrase?
    This is important because “let freedom ring” is a way of saying let it be heard, let it be known throughout the country throughout the world. And he expanded on this phrase by naming all the controversial/most racist/most segregated states in the United States.

    6) How does King tie this phrase to the words of an “old Negro spiritual”? Why is this significant?

    7) King was a Southern Baptist minister. What aspects, themes, images of his speech might be representative of Southern religious sermons?
    The way he speaks about gaining freedom and respect; he does not condone violence, he mentions God a lot in his speech. His whole speech is about a peaceful, togetherness world.

    8) Of what aspects of American culture is King’s speech critical?
    Is it critical? I’m not sure of my answer but I think he is sending out hope for those that are fed up and wanted to give up, talking about God also might have inspired the audience. (I don’t know about this answer, I just wing-it).

    9) Did the speech lead to transformations in American culture? Explain your answer.
    Of course it did! It did not only lead to transformations in American culture but also the world. After his speech, every country in the world knew his name, he became a household name. Although many encounter bigotries, but compared then and now; people are more open to change, and the idea of getting to know a person before judging them

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  12. Nedjie Toutebon

    1. 1863 was the year where freedom meant the abolition of slavery and the end of the pain blacks had to suffer working day in and out without compensation while they were bitten senseless. 1963 was the year were freedom meant equality. A person can not be any less of a person because of the color of their skin.
    2. Promissory note is a contract that a debt will be paid at a certain date and time. Martin Luther King meant that equality rights are only words. They are not backed up by anything. The words have no value.
    3. The call to action meant that people needed to voice out their needs.they can't obtain the same rights as whites if they don't try to get what they want. He meant it as a protest and not in violence.
    4. The elements of "dream" is trying to have something that is in your consciousness and turning it into reality. He wants people to be judge and characterize as individuals and not because of their skin color. The American dream is to have a picked fence house, wife and kids . it is not the ghetto. The dream is to have no worries of not being able to buy a home in a specific community because of the color of ones black skin.
    5. Let freedom ring is the symbolic tool he use for freedom. The sign of liberty. The way it expends by showing that there won't be any soil, mountains and planes that liberty or the bells of freedom won't reach
    6. Old negro spiritual has no boundaries; not to people, or their religion whether they are Jews, Catholics, Christians and so on
    7.The south had more segregation than any other country. So since he is a minister from the south, he knows first hand how badly the segregation between white and blacks was.
    8. The only aspect it has now and then is the impact it had in the nation. It evolved to the nation we have today. A nation where blacks and whites are able to marry and procreate without it being a big deal.
    9. The speech lead and transform American culture. It is due to King's efforts that African Americans can today take advantage of the rights that all Americans or people should have had.

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  13. 1) Even though the time passed hundred years, the situation is no difference. Blacks are still not free after being freed from slavery. They were still suffering through the segregation and discrimination. The similarity is they were still fight for their equality and right and never end.
    2) The promissory is the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. He references these documents to emphasize liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all men are these documents promise to people. However, they treated blacks differently. We just hope and want that black men as well as white men. King mentioned that “America has given the Negro a bad check”, he stated that American gave them a hope as the documents said that liberty is for all men but the day will never come true because they are blacks.
    3) African-Americans want them to fulfill the promise that gave them freedom and want to be treated equal. King stressed that he hoped to obtain equality through nonviolent movement. He knew that violence to obtain peace only led to an endless cycle of fighting, death and cruelty. He persuaded blacks must not hate all people of different races and nationalities because we have not treated equal.
    4) People come to United States to look for their dream that will make their future better because they believe U.S. would make their dream come true. American and the constitution state that all men would be equal that is why people come here because you said so. However, before we get this goal, we have to let white to get rid of prejudice. The same level of education, freedom, equality is the dreams we want to come true then we have qualification for future.
    5) “Freedom ring” is like to unite people together when people hear the ring. No matter where you are, when there is no freedom, there is a ring to make you together to fight for freedom until it is successful.
    6) He connect it because both of them fight for their freedom, one wants to free by country, another one wants to free by color skin. It is significant that no matter what is the reason to be freed, we just want to be freed.
    7) He mentions “god’s children” refer that we are all god’s children, we are all equal no matter you are white or color.
    8) King’s speech is critical of the American culture which allowed the segregation and discrimination emerges all around America. It is violated the meaning of the constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Government states that the liberty for all men but they do not follow the document and keeping their behavior to oppress blacks.
    9) This speech leads to transformation in American culture. Compare to past, we gain more equality and freedom. There is no absolutely equal but when you feel unequal, you would remember King’s speech which bring you hope to fight for your equality.

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  14. Rosalayn Singh
    WRIT 303 TW2
    Professor D’Amato
    HW#6 King, “I Have A Dream”
    April 11, 2013
    1 King’s “I Have a Dream” speech compares inequalities of African-Americans in 1863 to their situation in 1963. In 1863 African Americans were enslaved where as in 1963 African Americans were free in a society which was unfairly segregated and challenged with discrimination.
    2 The Declaration of Independence was the promissory note in King’s simile of a check which specifies reasons for the separation from England. It is symbolic of American freedom of all men. Statements made in the Declaration of Independence allowed for the emancipation of slaves. The premise of human equality was stated clearly in the Declaration of Independence however African-Americans were segregated and treated unequally.
    3. King’s speech is a call to action calls for freedom, equality and owed citizenship rights. King warns of revolt and uprisings but urges the people to revolt in a way without committing crime. He did not want to “not allow [the] creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.’ He understood that there were many Non African-Americans that supported the cause.
    4. The major elements of the King’s Dream were the promised liberties stated legal document of the Declaration of Independence. The American Dream of freedom and opportunity stems from the Declaration of Independence.
    5. King takes the phrase “let freedom ring” from the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee to emphasize the aspect of freedom and liberty. He expanded freedom ring” to reiterate equality amongst all races and people with different religious beliefs.
    6. King tie this phrase to the words of an “old Negro spiritual hoping that African Americans will be accepted with songs of freedom.
    7. King’s speech used positive and soulful tone and used positive tone to depict owed rights described in the Declaration of Independence. He mentioned god’s children in oneness
    8. Martin Luther King and his I have a dream speech is iconic with the civil rights and equality movements.
    9. His speech does have a major influence in American culture which depicted the positive aspects of a large non-violence gathering for a civil rights. Many before King and after him battle for civil equality however the I have a Dream speech was filled with American patriotic rhetoric and was delivered charismatically by a man who was followed by thousands and remain in the mind of millions.

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  15. 1- After a hundred years, the situations of black people have not changed. Remains the same, blacks are not free, they are still discriminated unfairly by whites. The differences after a hundred year black people have grown stronger hope to be free.

    2- The check or the promissory note that was given to all Americans that all men are created equal to have the same rights, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, that note is was only for the white people because the African Americans still were treated unfairly. The check only represented a dream of freedom and equality but, the black people refuse to not accept anymore injustice and make true the promissory note for black people too.

    3- The African Americans warn the United States of America that now is the moment for the promise of democracy to become true and to make justice and equality for all of God children. Today is the time for all African Americans to take action to stop racial injustice and not rest until the promises of democracy it is fulfilled.

    4- Some elements of that dream are freedom, justice, equality and happiness. Where blacks, whites, Jews, Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics live together in harmony “I have a dream” is related to American dream in the way that when the republic wrote the declaration of independence that all men would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

    5-King takes the phrase let freedom ring from the patriotic song “My Country Tis of Thee” is important because by singing this song will mean freedom for everyone from anywhere in world; able to join hands and sing free at last.

    6-King tie the phrase to the words of an “old Negro spiritual” with freedom and unity of all Americans and the finally everybody will remember that day.

    7-King was a southern Baptist minister, some aspects, themes, images of his speech we can see that he spoke about the independence of declaration that we all are God’s children. He wants peace and freedom for everyone. He wants to fight with love not with violent behavior.

    8- King speech talks about American culture of being critical because there were some who asking the devotees of civil rights “when will you be satisfied?” how the negro can be satisfied if they are the ones who are suffering from the brutality and oppression of the whites.

    9-yes, absolutely because people started to understand the meaning of King that all he wants is peace and freedom and equality to everyone in the world. Especially after his dead as Jesus died for us Martin died for freedom and his legacy will never die.

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  16. 1) There aren't many differences and that was his point. Blacks are still treated unjustly.
    2) The check he is referring to is that all men are created equal. But african americans do not have that equality they try to push.
    3) He wants people to stand up for their rights no matter what the consequence. african americans want equality but Mr. King does not want it done in a violent way.
    4) His dream was basically that the american dream be accessible to blacks. The ability to become whatever you want as long as you work hard for it.
    5) I think he uses this song to make it a point that this land is also the land of the african americans; and therefor we should let freedom ring.
    6) The way he presents his speech makes it evident that he was a minister. Also, in his delivery he is practically begging the people to take action.
    7) Of what aspects of American culture is King’s speech critical?
    It's critical in the sense that freedom is a huge part of american culture and it should be the same culture for all americans, irrelevant of their color.
    8) Did the speech lead to transformations in American culture? Explain your answer.
    I think it lead to many transformations, some that maybe he didn't even expect. Ultimately that was his goal, to change the way we think about one another.

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  17. Question 1

    In 1863 the Emancipation of Declaration was signed and blacks were transiently liberated and joyful of being free from captivity. The similarities between then and 1963 are:
    Blacks are still not free
    Blacks still suffer from segregation and discrimination
    Blacks are still alone in poverty
    Blacks are exile in their own land

    Question 2

    The promissory note promise ALL men "unalienable Rights" of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In developing the "check" image, King stated that blacks were given a bad check that was returned and marked insufficient funds (analogous to violation of the previously mentioned rights). King then adds that the blacks will not accept such fact and argues that blacks will fight until they receive that check which grants them freedom and justice.

    Question 3

    King advocates for real democracy and freedom for all; for all men to have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, unlike many other activist, he also supported non-violence. He states that blacks must conduct their fight "on a high plane of dignity and discipline." King emphasizes that blacks should not allow their "creative protest" to become a "physical violence." They must therefore fight with their "soul." King goes on to say that blacks must NOT allow themselves to hate all whites, but instead, make the whites realize that their freedom is bound to the theirs (the blacks).

    Question 4

    The American dream is to have full access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Aspects of this dream covered in king's speech are:
    All men are created equal
    The stoppage to segregation and discrimination, and
    The implementation of freedom and justice for all


    Question 5

    The phrase "let freedom ring," is important in king's speech because freedom is that factor needed to fuel the drive to equality; as shown in history. Once that is achieved, blacks will be a lot more closer towards the road of equality, non-segregation and non-discrimination.





    Question 6

    King tied in the phase, "let freedom ring," to the words of and "old negro spiritual" by indirectly making reference to the longivity of blacks fighting for freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the Nigro's belief and faith in God. These words also brought about king's spiritual side as a minister.


    Question 7

    Some aspects that brought about king' southern religious sermons are:
    "With this faith"
    "God's children"
    Talks about hilltops and mountainsides (eg. Stone Mountain in Georgia, red hill of Georgia)
    Talk of Alabama and Mississippi
    Common use of the term"Nigros"


    Question 8

    (Not sure how to answer this qestion, but here is what I think)
    The aspect of the American Culture that was critical in King's speech was the 5 bulletin of "I have a dream..."


    Question 9

    I assert that the speech did lead to transformation in American culture. The first evident of this was seen at the day of the speech when the integration of blacks and whites were observed. Looking at modern day American culture, there are no secregation in buses, schools, train and the like. There is equal opportunity for all to persure life, liberty and the freedom of happiness. And integration among the people is spread on a much greater level; embodying blacks, whites, Asians, Hispanics etc.






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  18. 1. Differences that Martin Luther King Jr mention of 1863 and that of 1963 is that very little had change in between the hundred years of the black American race. Similarities consist of segregation and extreme prejudice and racism to that class in addition the lack of jobs and inequality.
    2. That all black men and women are now free to part take in the growth development of America and share the rights like all white people such as the right to vote. He states it as a check that fell short of the amount they promise insufficient funds.
    3. He speaks upon judicial action making the Jim Crow laws taken away. Equality freedom for all not only the black race but any race. The harm against law officials and police brutality.
    4.The American dream is a car in every garage with a white picket fence striving by hard work motivation and the American know how and you can succeeded or live a comfortable life. That people of color will have the same dream it’s not different from the main stream dream.
    5. Less singing and more swinging.
    6. So that the people of color can relate to his speech.
    7. The way he speaks in his presentational speech and quoting minor things from the bible.
    8. Racism and the ignorance of differences.
    9. it lead to a major change by providing education jobs and the ability to self govern however the opportunities are still under developed and many of the black Americans do not indulge in the opportunity so many had lost their life for.

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  19. 1)Acccording to King, African Americans are still not free 100 yrs later. They are still empoversished, discriminated against, segregated and exiles of society.
    2) The promisary note was the declaration of Independence promising freedom and equality and other inalienable rights to all men. He referes to the check as a “bad check”, and “insuffiennt funds” in order to describe the government short changing or not not providing black americans with what the government promised in their declarion of Independence.
    3) Kings’s speech is a call to action of African Americans to pursue justice and true democracy. African American’s want the same civil liberties available to everyone else .He warns against violence as a means to achieve this and the promotion of racial hate.
    4) King states that in his dream men are equal, brotherhood among races and classes,anti discrimaination, true justice for all, these were all things that were essential proclaimed in the declaration of indepence.
    5) I think this phrase is important because it seeks to bond the nation. African American are patriots as well, they shed their blood for their country as well, and in turn they should be granted freedom as well.
    6) According to King wants this dream is fufilled everyone will be able to thank God that everyone is free. I think he did this to incite the support of other ethnicities and religious backgrounds.
    7) King referenced God and God’s children many times. He paints images of people from different creeds holding hands and singing together, just like we would see in a southern baptist church.
    8) King is critical of the way African American’s were denied rights promised to them in the declaration of independence, and their ability to overcome these injustices without fighting for it in a non violent and productive way.
    9) I think the fact that the speech was so popular and well received spread awareness of the issue. I think it impacted even non African Americans and incited a powerful step in the right direction.

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  20. 1. Indeed King’s “I Have a Dream” speech compared the situation of African-Americans struggles in 1863 and 1963 but the similarities actually overshadowed the differences. King compare how Africans were basically still in slavery, ridiculed to the borders of society, underprivileged without all our rights or privileges that Lincoln’s proclamation declared back in 1863. The only different he highlight that Africans were given certain rights on paper as oppose to still being in chains.
    2. King refers to African being given a promissory note or bad check because though it was proclaimed by the signing of the emancipation act by Lincoln in 1863, Africans have not been the beneficiary of that promise of freedom and equality within their own land.
    3. The call to action that King refers to in his speech was to fight for equality of rights, dignity, justice, opportunity and which are basically our citizenship rights. He also reminded the people not to hate or distrust their white brother but embrace them with soul force and not physical force to bring about change.
    4. Indeed, the most quoted sentences of this speech is “I Have a Dream” because of the power it encompass. This was his call for freedom, equality, the right to vote and for full citizenship for all Africans but the I have a dream not only give hope for these accomplishment alone to it is an open statements that encourage all of us to continue to dream more as time evolve.
    5. King takes the phrase “let freedom ring” from the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” because it brings a nationalist approach to African struggles, that touches all the corners of the United States so that all can remember what Americans face before they were truly free. He expanded on this phrase by highlight on the places where Africans continue to suffer the most stress the important of changes in those parts of the nation.
    6. To King this was significant because he stated that until all men were free, no single people or religion would experience true freedom in the nations because until that time our people would know freedom.
    7. King’s speech was focus on the community aspects of American culture. He was critical of the divide that still existed in the nation though we were all suppose to be brothers and sisters regardless of race.
    8. King’s speech did lead to many transformations in American Culture, first it brought an awareness of the struggles faced by the African Americans within America. The speech also helps white to understand what really was at stake not only for Africans but for the whole country. For the first time people saw the power of the populace and this helped to transform the thinking of politicians to race and civil rights. Finally, the speech helps to bridge the divide that existed in the American cultural fabric and to foster togetherness regardless of race.

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  21. 1. In Dr. King’s speech he expressed that there were no differences in the century that has passed. Slavery took to a new form in the face of lack of civil rights due to discrimination. The African American is still not free to choose who their representatives in government.
    2. The promissory note that he is referring to is what the constitution and the declaration of independence had promised, “unalienable rights of life… liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.
    3. Dr. King is calling for the action of the government to change for the better. A change of police brutality, segregated public establishments, and the right for African Americans to vote. He warns the government against the “tranquilizing drug of gradualism”. He also warns the African American people not to “drink from the cup of bitterness and hatred”.
    4. The elements of the dream are for African American’s and Caucasians to get along without any inclusion of prior hatred because of one’s race. For the two races to communicate with one another without an attitude of superiority and in-superiority. Another element is for there to be equality in opportunities such as working, voting, and eating at certain restaurants.
    5. For Dr. King to use the phrase “let freedom ring” from the song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” was significant because it is a sign of nationalism for America, by signing this line he is showing that black people are American too and deserves to be free in their country. He expanded by saying this is Black people’s land also because this is the land where their fathers died as well as Caucasian fathers died.
    6. The significance of Dr. King tying the patriotic song to the negro spiritual is merely showing that they are intertwined. There is no difference in the Caucasians singing and declaring their freedom than African Americans doing the same thing. Also showing that their fore fathers sung these songs so we can both relate to one another.
    7. The presence of Dr. Kings church roots came to light is the tone of his voice. Additionally, he had many references to keeping faith that change will come and walking in faith.
    8. Community and humanity were his major aspects in his speech. He kept stressing that through a strong sense of humanity is how people come together as one community. Despite the lines of boundaries placed, they are false and only in ones imagination. We are all people first then the distinctions that one may put in place.
    9. Yes, the speech did lead to major transformations in the American Culture. For the first time the inhumane and brutality of many were put in the eyes for the whole country to see. The phrase strength in numbers was bluntly shown here as well. Furthermore, with this speech the innate thinking of having to fight fire with fire was proven to be untrue. At times one could fight by not fighting at all.

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