King’s Opposition to the War
Economic Reason
Martin Luther King opposed the war for various reasons. He thought that since the conflict diverted finances and focus away from personal issues like poverty and inequality, it proved an enemy of the poor. According to him, the war was a “demonic, destructive suction tube” that siphoned resources away from social projects that might have aided the underprivileged (Stanford University para. 7). He felt that this war affected most families in addition to the needy and those who genuinely needed direction and financial support.
Political Reason
In addition, Dr King thought that the war proved to be an ethical and political failure that went against the values of fairness and democracy. He said that America backed a corrupt and authoritarian government in South Vietnam. He added that the war was wreaking havoc on American soldiers and the Vietnamese (Stanford University para. 37). He also condemned the government for using censorship and misinformation to stifle dissent and control public opinion. He said, “We are adding cynicism to the process of death, for they must know after a short period that none of the things we claim to be fighting for are involved” (Stanford University para. 29).
Imperialist Reason
Last but not least, according to Martin Luther King, the conflict was an example of a more significant trend of American aggressiveness and imperialism motivated by an urge for greed and power. He maintained that the war was only the most recent instance of a lengthy history of American interference in the domestic affairs of other nations, sometimes with terrible results.
King’s Perspective on the True Motivations Behind the War
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. thought there were numerous justifications for why America fought in the Vietnam War. He claimed that the Vietnam War was motivated by a thirst for wealth and authority since the military was making profits through the conflict and fostering a culture of brutality and militarism (Stanford University para. 33). In addition, Luther King argued that since America had a record of engaging in other nation’s internal affairs, this conflict was an aspect of a broader trend of American militarism and imperialism. He said that the war was the most recent manifestation of this trend and that America was aiding a despotic and undemocratic government in South Vietnam. Ultimately, Martin Luther King thought that America was involved in the Vietnam War for imperialism and aggression, power and wealth, to retain American supremacy.
Works Cited
Stanford University. “Beyond Vietnam.” The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute. 1967. Web.
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