RACISM + POLITICS
Why We're Sick and Tired of People Misusing King's Words
If you don't support civil rights, it's time to keep Martin Luther King Jr.’s name out of your mouth
Ever since the federal government declared January 17th a national holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr., many White people have misquoted his words, twisting them into a colorblind fantasy that goes against the very spirit of his life's work. White folks ritualistic sugarcoating is more than disrespectful — it's cringeworthy.
Each year, Black folks wait in anticipation of this day to honor a great man who fought to expand Civil Rights for Black people and all Americans. Yet, Black people have to brace for impact on that same day because a storm of misquotes is coming. But don't take my word for it. His daughter, Bernice King, has spoken about this problem.
“In ’68 my father was one of the most hated men in America, and now he’s one of the most loved men in the world,” she said. “So much so that people do take liberties and kind of take different quotes to fit their situation, and nothing is more frustrating for me than that — Bernice King.”
One of the most misquoted speeches is Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have A Dream Speech. Part of his dream was that…
