MLK "I Have A Dream Speech" Reaction

There were many differences between reading and watching the " I have a dream" speech. When I read it, I had to visually depict images in my head about how the area was like and the general atmosphere of the scenery and the people that were at the speech. Watching it, I saw how it actually was so my mind couldn't re-create the visual aspect of the speech. I felt more emotions watching the speech over reading it because I'm more of a visual person. Reading the speech stirred up a lot of emotions like pride, dignity, hope, happiness, and courage. Seeing the actual video only intensified these feelings and even stirred up more feelings inside than before such as hardships, and being greatful and appreciative of the things people like MLK did for my freedom. This speech was very significant for it's time because America was going through a racial struggle. This struggle resulted in violence many times and the fact that MLK preached peaceful freedom instead of solving blacks problems with violence, was a very positive thing.
Many lives were saved because of MLK and this speech was a big part in helping put an end to segregation. The racial climate of the early sixties was very harsh on blacks. African Americans were free but in a sense they were also not free. They didn't have simple rights such as the right to vote, they were placed in the poorly managed parts of public restaurants, and they were over all treated very harsh. Not as harsh as slavery, but the way they were forced to live was definitely unfair. They also had to fear for their lives as the KKK was on the rise in those particular times in history as seen in the movie, "Quantum Leap". I'm sure there were many white people like the main character in the movie that believed that blacks were just as equal as whites. This was the power struggle at that time to give blacks full equal rights. This caused a lot of tension and fear in the racial climate between both races. Both races feared violence was inevitable and it was only a matter of time before something disastrous would happen.
Again that is why the "I have a dream speech" couldn't have come at a better time. It showed the world that African Americans were willing to fight for their equal rights but in a non-violent manner. This helped the world to truly realize the harsh treatment the whites were giving blacks as they finally got to here the struggles blacks went through. They heard the voice of blacks and that made them second guess the way they were treating African Americans. Over time, laws and constitutions were passed that granted all colored people the same equal rights as white people. The "I have a dream speech" played a very significant role in the movement for equal rights. It is partly responsibly for how America is today.