Catching Up: Commentary on Selections in Washington Reader

As I noted just before the break, I am behind (as usual) in my own textual commentary. Since I did not get a chance to do this over the break, I am getting to it now. Let me also remind you again that you need to either print out or copy these notes because anything that I cover in class or on this blog is fair game on the final exam.

I left off near the end of the long selection from Stride Toward Freedom (#53):

Q. King recognizes the SOCIOLOGICAL point of the adverse impact of economic insecurity on the black family. King says, "Economic insecurity strangles the physical and cultural growth of its victims. Not only are millions deprived of formal education and proper health facilities but our most fundamental social unit -- the family -- is tortured, corrupted, and weakened by economic insufficiency...." (p. 476) Read the remainder of that paragraph and the next over on p. 477.

R. In the end, the race problem is not a political but a moral issue, as Gunnar Myrdal (in An American Dilemma) indicated. The Church has an obligation here. Through religious education, the church can help overcome groundless race prejudice based on fear. (See 2nd paragraph p. 478) (Although, as I believe I noted in our last class, the kind of things King has in mind are better suited to public or higher education.)

1. The church must lead social reform, and it can do so by first eliminating segregation in its own house.

2. In this context, King comments: "When people think about race problems they are too often more concerned with men than with God. The question usually asked is: 'What will my friends think if I am too friendly with Negroes or too liberal on the race question?' Men forget to ask: 'What will God think?' And so they live in fear because they tend to seek social approval on the horizontal plane rather than spiritual devotion on the vertical plane." (pp. 478-479) Which parallels an argument Socrates made in the "Crito," defending his decision to remain in jail and endure the punishment given him, only Socrates (and Plato) in invoking "God" was not referring to some "Supreme Being" but instead to some ultimate principle of morality.

3. More than decrees or statements, ACTION is needed.

4. King is sensitive to the difficult position of the Southern white minister, and suggests working quietly is ok. (see p. 480)

S. King fully acknowledges the significant role that Black self-help can play. (It is unfair and inaccurate to suggest, as many have, that King saw government handouts as THE solution to racial inequality.)See p. 481. And King comes back to this at the very end (pp. 488-489) and specifies several areas where the black community needs to improve itself: economically, personal standards, crime, alcohol abuse, voting (overcome apathy), etc.

T. Towards the end of this selection, King comes back to the theme of nonviolence, and how in contrast the path of violence is both IMPRACTICAL and IMMORAL. See especially the last paragraph, p. 482. And he goes on to emphasize the benefits of the nonviolent approach. Nonviolence is more likely to encourage dialogue and community; it appeals to the conscience of the opponent.

1. In this general context, he makes a very interesting and significant point that nonviolence will take longer. We must be patient, "...BECAUSE INTEGRATION IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN INDEPENDENCE." (p. 486) (To which I would add: independence or mere DESEGREGATION. The fact that in many ways we have yet to realize Dr. King's dream of the "beloved community," or a truly integrated society, is a testament to the truth of his statement, I believe.)


#1 "Non-violence and Racial Justice" (1959)

A. Crisis in race relations growing out of two clashing factors:

1. determined resistance of reactionary elements in the South to Supreme Court rulings (especially, the Brown decision).
2. higher black self-esteem.

B. Good, but brief, overview of Black's history in America: 1619, to Dred Scott - 1857, to Emancipation - 1863, to Reconstruction, to Plessy - 1896... (pp. 5-6)

C. King defines TRUE PEACE (p. 6 ), which is not merely negative, the absence of tension or conflict, but positive, the presence of justice. (Think about the past 40 years or so in America: has this true peace existed, especially in the inner city ghettos of this country?)

D. King links the struggle for freedom in America with the international struggle for freedom against colonialism. (See top, p. 7)

E. Outlines the method of nonviolent resistance (Gandhi mentioned):

1. Not for cowards; it does resist -- physically passive but strong spiritually.

2. Aim is not to defeat or humiliate opponent but win his understanding and friendship. Use boycotts, etc., but the end is reconciliation; achieving the beloved community.

3. Attack directed against the FORCES of evil, rather than the people caught up in those forces: not against whites, but against injustice. (Which is a sociological point, I would argue.)

4. Avoids external and internal violence (or hate). Principle of love central. Retaliate with hate only creates more hatred and bitterness.

F. Notion of LOVE -- not emotional or romantic (or sexual) love, but love meaning understanding and goodwill (which refers to AGAPE love). Three Greek terms:

1. EROS -- aesthetic or romantic love.

2. PHILIA -- intimate affection between friends, reciprocal.

3. AGAPE -- not sentimental; means understanding, goodwill toward all men; unconditional.
***Important to distinguish between these and especially not to confuse EROS & PHILIA with AGAPE.

G. Finally, nonviolence is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice (God, or some ultimate principle). (If you cannot accept this, I believe it is difficult, if not impossible, to advocate for any cause in a nonviolent way, which requires patience.)

#2 "The Most Durable Power" (1957)

A. Repeats Booker T. Washington's admonition: "Let no man pull you so low as to hate him." (which is tough to abide by)

B. Argues that the end or goal of life is NOT pleasure or happiness, or avoid pain, but to do God's will -- LOVE (GOD IS LOVE). (bottom, p. 10)


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That brings us to selection #3. Still behind but farther along. I will probably try to cover selections #3-10, and then turn things over to our textual commentators for the next set of selections. Also, don't forget that writing assignment #3 is due on Thursday (4/9) and I believe we still need to get just TWO volunteers to present your essays. See you tomorrow.