Martin Luther King Editorials
Recently, students submitted editorials on Dr. Martin Luther King for an assignment in Ms. Wiswell's class Journalism class. A few of the editorials are duplicated below for your reading enjoyment.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Editorial
by Connor Keller
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort & convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” said Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
This quote deals a lot with my everyday life, especially with sports. Whether it’s not wanting to go to football practice, or it’s dealing with a loss in a respectful way. Standing in times of challenge and controversy shows a lot about a person’s character. Losing is part of life, everyone loses at some point in life. While some lose more than others, it’s how you lose that really makes you a good person and how people see you as a member in society.
Challenges force people to come out of their comfort zone and pushes them to make themselves better. Pushing yourself shows to people and also you what you're capable of doing to make yourself a hard worker, and a better person in general. Never just do something also push yourself till you can’t go any more.
Martin Luther KIng was remembered for what he did to help society accept everyone as equals. He didn’t care about the color of someone’s skin. All he cared about is your character and how people viewed you as an individual, not as a group of people. Just look at Rosa Parks she stood her ground at a point in where she wasn’t accepted by society, but it’s how she rose to the occasion at a time of challenge and controversy. We remember people by their actions and character it’s up to us whether we perceive it as good or bad.
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by Dakota Morris
“The time is always right to do what is right,” said Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I chose this quote from Dr. King because when my parents split up I couldn’t control them splitting up, I could only control myself, and I chose to do what is right and I controlled myself from being frustrated at my parents.
Many people ignore opportunities to do what is right. For example, when you see a homeless person who needs money for their family, do you do what is right or do you just walk by and don’t even care?
Also, when a person has a car accident and looks stranded on the side of the road, most people just drive on by without even stopping and seeing if they can help.
Another opportunity often overlooked to do what is right is in regards to elderly people. Some could use help with carrying groceries inside their house. Others are lonely at the nursing home without visitors and would just like someone to visit and be friendly.
People in this world have changed. People used to help others and now they are too selfish about their own lives to open their eyes and to help someone in need of assistance. Ultimately, Dr. King’s words of advice still ring true. “The time is always right to do what is right.” I choose to follow in his footsteps and I challenge you to do the same. Don’t ignore other people who could use help. Donate to people in need, whether through time or money. Do what is right because the time is now.
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by Cassidy Busse
“The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important.”-Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. embodied the bravest and most courageous man to walk the earth. King once said, “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.” I don’t think King’s life could have represented this quote any better. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived his life to the fullest. He accomplished more in his 39 years of life than most people accomplish in their life even with twice as long to accomplish it.
Martin Luther King fought to bring equality to America, so to do that he helped to lead the Civil Rights Movement to end segregation. King lead such a rewarding life as he would give speeches and also preach to crowds all around America. But what really opened so many people’s eyes was simply how King found a way to protest in a non-violent way. He would use words and verses instead of fighting and screaming. Martin Luther King did not get the opportunity to live a life of longevity, but instead a life of quality which we now all know is much more important anyway.
Martin Luther believed the quality of each person's life is what really mattered which is why his quote is still so sincere. I couldn’t agree any more with King’s quote about the quality of your life being so much greater than the amount of years you live. If you always try to be happy and grateful then you will never have to worry about how much time you spend on the earth. I believe if you strive to be a better person everyday with a kind and positive attitude then you will live a happier life no matter how many years you live. Many people get caught up with the fact of living to 80 or 100 but what really matters is the quality of life that you live during any of your years. Martin Luther King’s life is still a great example that life is truly about quality. I believe be following that mentality a day won’t go by that you aren’t striving to live a full and happy life.
