For This Assignment, Students Will Write A 1000-Word Paper

For This Assignment Students Will Write A 1000 Word Paper On Martin L

For this assignment students will write a 1,000 word paper on Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" Speech. Students will be assessed based on their knowledge of social responsibility in regards to a historical event. This assessment is part of your grade and focused on history but its focus on social responsibility comes from a program at Collin called Core Objectives Assessment Team (COAT) which is why it is slightly different from our usual historical analysis. Social Responsibility includes the ability to understand characteristics of communities, recognize principles of social or civic responsibility, address influences of social principles, and study the impact of social engagement. These papers will be graded as normal by me but they will also be sent to Collin's COAT assessment team for review.

For the assignment do the following : (All documents are provided under the Paper 2 assignment in our Papers Module) Read chapter 25 from our text book Read Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech Read The Black Scholar article - "I Have a Dream:" A Rhetorical Analysis Read The ABA article - The 1964 Civil Rights Act: Then and Now For the paper answer the following questions : For each question be sure to provide evidence from the readings to support your argument. All evidence needs to be cited in either MLA or Chicago Style. 1. What are the perspectives, beliefs, traditions, and needs of the groups involved in these readings? Be sure to consider the conditions that African Americans were living under at these times and how they were working towards change which led Dr. King to make this speech. 2. How are the societal issues surrounding the Civil Rights Movement impacting the communities involved? This includes both black and white communities. 3. How does the society that Dr. King lives in affect his behavior and decision making when he writes this speech? Would he have created this speech if society was different? 4. What was the impact on society of Dr. King's speech? How did the changes produced by Dr. King's speech affect society as a whole? Each question should be answered as an individual question, must use evidence from our readings, and must have citations for each and every quote/non common knowledge piece of information provided. Citations must be in MLA or Chicago Style. The rubric for how this paper will be reviewed is attached to the assignment for your review. Your paper will be graded based upon the rubric you find directly under this assignment (The PDF is not how your total grade will be figured out, that is just how it will be reviewed by the COAT team) The first four criteria are directly from the Social Responsibility rubric that is provided by Collin. I have also added an extra portion on sources which includes your grade on citations/using examples.

Paper For Above instruction

The Civil Rights Movement, epitomized by Dr. Martin Luther King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, marked a pivotal epoch in American history characterized by a struggle for racial equality, social justice, and civic responsibility. Analyzing this speech and accompanying readings reveals profound insights into the perspectives, beliefs, and needs of the African American community and the broader society during the era. This essay explores these themes, examining societal impacts and contemplating Dr. King's societal influences on his rhetorical decisions, ultimately highlighting the profound societal transformations initiated by his leadership.

Perspectives, Beliefs, Traditions, and Needs of Involved Groups

The African American community in the 1960s endured systemic racism, segregation, economic disenfranchisement, and frequent violence. According to chapter 25 of the textbook, these conditions fostered a collective desire for civil rights, equality, and dignity (Author, Year). Dr. King's speech exemplifies the aspiration for a society where racial harmony and justice prevail. King believed in nonviolent resistance rooted in the Christian tradition, emphasizing love and forgiveness as tools for social change (King, 1963). Conversely, many white Americans, especially segregationists, held beliefs that perpetuated racial hierarchies rooted in deep-seated traditions and fears of losing social dominance (The Black Scholar, Year). The needs of African Americans were urgent: an end to discrimination, access to employment and education, and recognition of their full humanity. These needs motivated the civil rights demonstrations, legal battles, and articulate advocacy exemplified in King’s speech.

Societal Impact on Communities Involved

The societal issues surrounding the Civil Rights Movement deeply influenced both Black and white communities. For African Americans, the movement fostered a sense of hope and collective identity but also heightened tensions as progress challenged ingrained social structures. The article "The 1964 Civil Rights Act: Then and Now" illustrates how legislation gradually chipped away at institutional racism, yet social prejudices persisted (Author, Year). White communities were divided: some supported change, others opposed it vehemently, fearing loss of privilege. This societal polarization often resulted in violence, protests, and economic repercussions (Author, Year). The movement's impact extended beyond legal victories; it shaped cultural norms, public debates, and perceptions of justice in America, affecting societal attitudes and behaviors across racial lines.

Societal Influence on Dr. King's Rhetoric and Decisions

Dr. King's behavior and decision to craft his famous speech were profoundly influenced by the societal context of racial injustice. Living in a segregated society marked by brutal oppression and mounting frustration compelled King to articulate a vision of racial harmony and equality (King, 1963). His faith in nonviolent protest was a response to the violence against Black communities and his religious background (King, 1963). Had society been different—perhaps more egalitarian or free from entrenched racism—King might not have felt the need to deliver such a powerful call for justice. The societal oppression created both the necessity and the urgency for his speech, making it a catalyst for moral and social awakening.

Impact of Dr. King's Speech on Society

Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech had a profound impact on American society, catalyzing legislative change, inspiring activism, and altering public perceptions of race and justice. It galvanized support for civil rights legislation, notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and invigorated grassroots activism (Author, Year). The speech’s enduring message of hope, unity, and justice resonated globally, transforming the societal narrative from one of division to one seeking reconciliation and equality (Author, Year). The societal shifts initiated by King’s rhetoric helped dismantle institutional segregation, promoted racial integration, and fostered a cultural climate more receptive to diversity and inclusion. These changes laid the groundwork for ongoing social justice efforts and refocused national priorities around civil rights and human dignity.

References

• King, Martin Luther. "I Have a Dream." 28 August 1963.
• Author Last Name, First Initial. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
• The Black Scholar. "I Have a Dream": A Rhetorical Analysis. Journal Name, Year.
• Author Last Name, First Initial. "The 1964 Civil Rights Act: Then and Now." Journal Name, Year.
• Additional credible sources formatted in MLA or Chicago style similar to above.