It's Not Just About King!

This morning, I sent the following to Michigan State University's student newspaper, the State News, in response to a letter that was published last Friday...

When I read letters such as David Garlock's ("Martin Luther King Jr. not worth image"), I am stupefied. That the author is a music education major further boggles, as I would expect that someone with an interest in (and possibly a passion for) music might also have an aptitude for compassion and a more mindful approach to life.

Sadly, Mr. Garlock probably exemplifies too many students at this university, possibly a large number of faculty and staff as well, and certainly too many people in the general populace.

I suppose that I shouldn't be all too surprised, as he's lived his life in the "I, Me, Mine" eras of Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and Bush II. Since the social health of the country is no longer the concern of our politicians ("It's the economy, stupid!"), why would any average twenty-something think beyond the reach of his or her wallet or the power windows of his or her SUV.

At one time, I thought that a college education (and the multi-cultural experience that comes with it) would serve to develop a young person's ability to see the world in a much more educated (imagine that!) light. But considering that universities -- this one included -- are more concerned with the loftiness of their athletic programs than they are with the cultural awareness they are able (but not seriously willing) to provide, it's not really any wonder that such narrow-minded attitudes such as Mr. Garlock's take root.

Yes, the day is known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and yes, cities all over the country have designated streets by that name, but it's not just about Martin Luther King, Jr. It's not just about one man. It's about a segment of society that has for too long been considered less than deserving of opportunity merely because of skin color.

As for Mr. Garlock's disgust for the man, my guess is that he's really not made much of an effort to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr., for if he did, he would surely learn that his frailties alone shouldn't define Dr. King any more than a short-sided, ill-conceived, ill-informed letter to the editor should define Mr. Garlock.