Martin Luther King’s "Ethic of Love"

The Civil Rights Movement of African-Americans is the movement in the United States as an attempt to terminate racial discrimination and prejudice against African-Americans Southern states. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the great leaders of this movement because his ideals proved to be powerful enough to eventually bring victory. One of King’s strongest strategies was his “ethic of love.” This ethic was based on of his Christian beliefs and the teachings of the leader Gandhi. Gandhi had practiced non-violent resistance was the only option to getting rid of the oppression Indians had to face and was able to influence King to do the same. People like the Nationalists, Segregationists, and the privileged were, of course, against this movement. However, the "ethic of love" substantiated to be a great tool of integrationism and non-violent resistance that permitted the oppressed to have understanding and acceptance for the oppressor.

King’s ethic of love was based on of his Christian beliefs and the epitomes of Ghandi. Luke chapter 6:27-36 of the Holy Bible states: "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." Dr. King utilized the teachings of the Holy Bible during segregation to strengthen and alleviate the struggle. Therefore, throughout his leadership, he taught all those who supported his argument to "love their enemies". By giving this love to their o...

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...the “Land of the Free” as the American citizens that they are. Dr. King, helped lead the movement into victory using something often called an “ethic of love” which was based on of his Christian beliefs and the ideals of Ghandi. Martin Luther King, Jr. acknowledged that this was the only key to destroying oppression. And though they had a lot of opposition such as the Nationalists and the Segregationists who believed that they were not to be considered Americans, King was able to use his ideals into correcting this system.

Works Cited

• Cone, James H. Martin & Malcolm & America: a Dream or a Nightmare. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991. Print.

• King, Martin Luther. A Testament of Hope: the Essential Writings of Martin Luther King. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins, 1991. Print.

• Parekh, Bhikhu C. Gandhi a Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2001. Print