Analysis and review of a speech by humanity’s greatest leaders is a tough yet fulfilling activity, for it transcends space and time. From Lincoln to Roosevelt to Bose to Mandela – all have delivered some of history’s most inspiring speeches and gave us a new perspective to the world around us.

In the same league would the highly regarded speech of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “ I have a Dream.” Bearing immense significance, the speech marked an iconic moment in American history, when Dr. King, standing before a massive crowd on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, addressed the horrors the nation had witnessed.

Historically, America has always been a place sweltering with unspeakable atrocities committed by white supremacists. Enslaved and subject to unfathomable pain, the negro rose up in demonstration, as evident by the strength of the crowd on August 28, 1963.

A great ordeal, marked by segregation and oppression, Dr. King reminded the nation that a century has passed since the Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln, yet people still suffer from discrimination and police brutality. “It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment,” Dr. King mentions, as a plea that it was high time for change.

Setting a wonderful rhythm augmented by the crowd’s applause, the delivery of the speech was simply marvelous, establishing his legacy as a beautiful orator. With an eloquent flow of words, he continued, “I have a Dream”. He harboured a dream that profoundly roots from the American dream – a national ethos where freedom includes opportunity, prosperity and success, achieved through hard work in a  society with few barriers.

It is intelligible that the speech holds paramount importance, even in this day and age. Dr. King realized that the US needed a uniform umbrella of civil and human right guaranteed to all sections of society. Equality and citizenship rights to whites and blacks alike, as well as an end to racial injustice would be the highlight of the speech.

Even half a century later, the speech holds a strong degree of relevance. It is with despair that we must accept that Dr. King’s dream has not fully materialized. Though racial subjugation has vanished, we still live in a society where racial abuse and hatred is still prevalent. The trusted old strategy of “divide-and-rule” is still widely being used by evildoers for selfish gains and material prosperity, through active promotion of racism.

Hence, it is our duty to acknowledge the wisdom invoked in us and lead our lives on the path of universal brotherhood. By simply being an inhabitant of the world Dr. King dreamt of, we would suffice our duty towards humanity.

At the end of his speech, Dr. King regards the efforts of all people involved, irrespective of race, culture and religion; and ensures them that their struggles would not be rendered futile. He has faith that one day, citizens of the US would live in liberty, justice and mutual harmony, lighting up the immaculate dawn of freedom.

Racism remains one of the most disastrous yet controversial topics plaguing the world even today. Racism consists of both prejudice and discrimination based on social perceptions of biological differences between people. It has been around since Europeans started enslaving Africans and exists in countries comprising of various races and cultures, the primary example being the US. Racism can be emotionally and psychologically devastating, and has taken violent turns several times in the past.

Racism affects both the oppressor and the victim, with the victim holding grudges and complete disdain over the entire race when it could have been a few individual for mistreatment. Hence, it is important to realize that racism gives birth to reverse racism too.

In addition, the realization that human beings are scientifically identical despite being of various external appearance is indispensable for a harmonious society. Every person has his social rights and should be respected despite the race he/she belongs to. Discrimination is an insult to humanity’s common descent; all races deserve to be dealt with compassion and equality.

Written by Ankush Bhowmik, (BCA 2nd yr.)