Fighting for Equality and Freedom

Across all nations and cultures, the enduring pursuit of equality in life seems global and timeless. Some would believe that their own country has achieved a true democracy with no residual inequalities of which to speak, while others know they are at the other end of the spectrum, enduring unjust laws that should not be bestowed on any human. Through the course of history many countries have fought for that democracy and all the equality that it implies. While some believe they have reached that goal, others continue to fight for the most basic human rights, even in this time of enlightenment. The journey each country takes on its road to that place may vary by origination, length, severity and outcome, but the goal seems to be the same. Looking at two such journeys through the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his “Letter from Birmingham City Jail” and from an excerpt of Aung San Suu Kyi’s In Quest of Democracy, the underlying theme of equality is thoughtfully penned with examples universally recognizable from each of their own perspectives, respectfully acknowledging their own histories, religions, and obstacles to illuminate the path toward that common goal of a just society despite unjust laws.

In “Letter from Birmingham City Jail,” King’s detailed writings demonstrate his understanding of the need to painstakingly explain his position to those controlling the unequal democracy under which he was being detained at that time. Even while writing of the history of his people as slaves, King skillfully avoids coming across as just another complainer, laying out the blunt truth as it was. He calls upon history to show that this never should have been in the first place, referencing the New Testament of the Bible ...

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...rom suffering under unjust laws imposed by unfair rulers. Two people at different ages in their lives, different stages in their quests, of different histories and religions, one black, one Asian, one male, one female, with one goal for all. While Suu Kyi may one day be in a position to continue her fight, sadly the world lost King too soon. Their examples, as documented in their writings, of persistence, perseverance, and grounding in what is good and just for all mankind should be followed by all, to be benefited from by all.

Works Cited

King, Martin Luther, Jr. “Letter from Birmingham City Jail.” Reading the World: Ideas that

Matter. Ed. Michael Austin. New York: Norton, 2007. 173-187. Print.

Suu Kyi, Aung San. “From ‘In Quest of Democracy.’” Reading the World: Ideas that Matter. Ed.

Michael Austin New York: Norton, 2007. 191-196. Print.