In his 1961 Lincoln University commencement address, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. puts forward an optimistic view of the American Dream. Dr. King cites the biblical foundations for the American Dream, quoting the American Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal…” (the Declaration of Independence). It is the concept of equality which King fixates on, claiming that the American Dream is a universal dream. Furthermore, King claims that the American Dream is a part of the larger international dream of brotherhood, peace, and goodwill. However, King recognizes that dreams are as of yet unrealized, that there is still work to be done towards their fulfillment. In the face of this realization, King calls for peaceful action in order to obtain “moral ends through moral means” (p. 151). Additionally, King claims, “God is not interested merely in the freedom of black men… God is interested in the freedom of the whole human race…” (p. 152). Furthering his argument …show more content…
Little claims that the black population can never truly be part of the American Dream because they are nothing but ex-slaves and the white population of America disdains their very presence. Therefore, according to Little, there must be a revolution, and all revolution requires bloodshed. Little justifies bloodshed in revolution by claiming that if it’s morally acceptable to use violence to protect America, then it’s morally acceptable to use violence to protect black people within America. Additionally, Little places the black population into two categories; the “House Negro” who believes that his best life is with the white master, and the “Field Negro” who sees the reality that anywhere is better than under the control of the white master. Little claims that he is firmly within the latter group, the group that is willing to fight for their