Nonviolent Resistance: Best Way of Dealing with Oppression Essay Example

into violence stays among the oppressed, oppressors and future generations. Martin Luther King states that acquiescence is the way of the coward (p. 238), therefore the way to handle oppression is with nonviolent actions. Even though people protest without physical aggression, they are still passionate fighters.

As Martin Luther King says “The Negro must work passionately and unrelentingly for full stature as a citizen, but he must not use interior methods to gain it. He must never come to terms with falsehood, malice, hate, or destruction” (p. 239). He explains that African-Americans must work intensely with their minds and thoughts without using any other malicious technique. By this way, the oppressed people will persuade their oppressor that they are wrong. As a second reason, we can say that with nonviolent resistance, the oppressor’s friendship and understanding can be obtained.

People instead of using communication, they use physical violence. Violence leads to disgrace. Hence, using a persuasive dialogue, we can reach our oppressor’s mind easily. Martin Luther King mentions in his essay that violence is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding (p. 239). This statement clearly explains that violence is not the best way out. The same way, cooperation helps to maintain the peace between cultures. In order to have a deal, both groups have to find a balance to achieve what is the best for both of them.

Doing other actions that are against the other group may cause the failing of a trade. Thus, groups should discuss and negotiate before choosing violence. Thirdly, another reason why I agree with Mr. King about nonviolent resistance is because we fight against the

injustice not against the people as King concludes, “Nonviolent resistance is not aimed against oppressors but against oppression” (p. 240). As individuals, we seek love, prosperity, joy and justice. We have to decide morally what is wrong and right during our lives. Therefore, if we are judged or discriminated, we should stand up and not allow the opponents segregate us.

In one part of his essay, Martin Luther King says that “to accept injustice or segregation passively is to say the oppressor that his actions are morally right” (p. 238). It’s true that many of us fall into acquiescing and we don’t speak up; and in some way, we increase the arrogance of the oppressor. When we don’t take actions, injustice gains more power. But it’s not only that, the oppressors will never respect us. Accordingly Martin Luther King states, “the Negro cannot win the respect of his oppressor by acquiescence. In conclusion, it is my opinion that Martin Luther King chose the best option, which is nonviolent resistance.

It makes the oppressed people act actively for their belief. Furthermore, it’s a way of winning the oppressor’s understanding. Lastly, it conveys that the battle is not against white people, but towards the system between justice and injustice. The lack of knowledge and education of other cultures can cause fear, which is expressed by discrimination. Fear is also a cause of physical violence, fear of losing land, power and independence. Consequently, if we put aside all these fears and prejudices, we can have an equal society.