By Rafal Rogoza —
Dr. King has been lionized to the point that the man has become a myth. When reflecting on the lessons of Dr. King’s life, the persona that is depicted annually by the media should be of the least significance. The lessons that we should draw from the life of this man is that perseverance against our vices is worth pursing to achieve greater goals. Like each and every one of us, Dr. King experienced a tide of internal conflicts. A familiar struggle against our demons. It is this struggle within Dr. King that is of the most importance and deserves our attention because it is his greatest triumph.
Picture a young King growing up in a segregated racist neighborhood. Consider his internal battle to cope with a world he is just beginning to understand. See him in his shoes living as a second class citizen: degraded and threatened. Many can relate to living in poverty but can they come to terms with a society that legally protects abuse?
Punched, kicked, and spat on, at some point, King was confronted and had to make a choice to fight. In the heat of the moment he hesitates, composes himself, and takes a right hook to his cheek. The disorienting blow stings the left side of his face. He’s pissed, takes a grunt, holds it in and turns the other cheek. In pain and with his temperament firmly in his grip, Dr. King celebrates victory in an ongoing war against ignorance.
The better man just won.
Dr. King was an ordinary person who controlled his vices and took a stand for what’s right. Anyone who shows as much heart as Dr. King can make a positive impact. Dr. King wasn’t perfect, but his example showed us a path towards a better world. An example to pursue his path and follow his development as a human being. Disregard the media’s hype that portrays Dr. King like a celebrity: its not worth your time. Instead, to better yourself and those around you, think about how a disadvantaged black boy from segregated Atlanta matured into a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and a symbol for peaceful coexistence.