Things That Connect Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King
An important feature that connects Lincoln and King in their writings is the emphasis on equality and justice. Lincoln emphasized getting people to show more mercy to everyone else. In this way, it would be possible to achieve much more significant development and build a society that would be comfortable for all people (Rounds, 2020).
This concerned primarily people who were enslaved and whose treatment was characterized by injustice and excessive cruelty. In the same way, King argues that the problem of lack of justice is acutely social and requires immediate addressing to resolve inequality. Thus, raising the importance of fairness is an imperative common feature of both works that are separated by such a significant period.
As Lincoln and King make moral appeals in their works, moral appeal is another element. This can be seen in the fact that they view slavery as a deviation from the ethical standards of humanity. Applying different moral theories and principles is a clear example of the unifying factors in both works (Rounds, 2020). The third general aspect can be considered a call for unification. To build a country and improve all existing institutions, it was important for people in the United States to create a common front, rejecting the differences that arose between them.
Separation Point
The distinct aspect of the two addresses is their context and target audience. The documents under consideration are separated by a significant period during which significant changes occurred. Lincoln’s speech was made to help unify the people after the Civil War and restore regular social order (Rounds, 2020). At the same time, King’s letter was created during the active struggle for civil rights, which led to a different focus, which was characterized by addressing an audience that could support people fighting for equal opportunities and rights for everyone.
Memorable Moments
What stands out most in Lincoln’s address is the aspect of forgiveness and redemption, which is the focal point of the entire speech. This element stands out clearly and allows people to remember the president’s message. This refers to the message of creating ties between the South and the North, which was necessary for the unification of the country and the creation of a single nation.
His words caused people to begin to think about what aspects of their daily lives should be essential to integrate their activities in creating a new nation. At the same time, the distinctive aspect of King’s message is the commitment to legal achievement in expanding people’s rights (Rounds, 2020). Nonviolent methods of improving aspects of people’s lives were significant in King’s message, allowing people to understand better how they could achieve what they wanted.
Improving Understanding
Understanding the importance of studying Lincoln’s and King’s addresses can be significantly enhanced by studying the supporting material. An essay by Hunter & Baker (2020) reveals the relationship between two works that share common aspects in establishing justice. Establishing as much understanding as possible in the context of the two works is vital so that Americans can create the best possible society where all people can have equal rights in the context of social benefits. The authors emphasize that Lincoln and King have significant commonalities in promoting a better understanding of the goals of unification and abolition of slavery (Hunter & Baker, 2020). In this way, related topics are addressed so that people can significantly improve their civic capabilities.
References
Hunter, W., & Baker, P. (2020). Martin Luther King, Jr.: A man for all time. Jefferson Educational Society. Web.
Rounds, C. D. (2020). “Dead men make such convenient heroes”: The use and misuse of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as political propaganda. Journal of Black Studies, 51(4), 315-331. Web.
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