This is a serious thread for scholars of Martin Luther King Jr, who have read his books and taken on his words.

Please contribute here on his works and your learnings from them: Where do we go from here chaos or community, the Montgomery story and why we can't wait.

Black Lives Matter could definitely learn from one of "their" last great leader. MLK faced far more oppression than they probably ever will and never, ever answered with violence when most "normal" humans would have. They could also listen more closely to his I Have a Dream speech: look for the content of the heart rather than the color of the skin.

Yes, too many police forces seem to be highly racist. However the problem of the police state affect us ALL. Unless the movement becomes one of "All lives matter," it is bound to remain a fringe one where looters have the upper hand over the message that is being carried.

janus : I agree to an extent.  It is sad that racism has become a widely acceptable public display, agreeing with certain types of racism while condemning others.  However, I'm perhaps just as concerned with how the Black Lives Matter movement is presented as with how people perceive it.  It certainly seems to be used to give offense at times, while at other times, it is merely used to draw attention to a frustrations and sorrows of a community.  The problem at large lies in that the movement seems too often draw a wedge between the "black" community and others.  As you surmised, "All Lives Matter" is a stronger, better message. It conveys more at once, and eliminates the possibility of misunderstandings that could lead to racism.  I actually saw a picture of two police officers of different races shaking hands, with that very message.  It was powerful.  I wish more messages were like that.

Just how did a discussion thread about MLK become a thread about the line, "black lives matter"? That quote was made in the last year out of desperation of "racism" going too far for people when the common person wanted to loot in Fergusen. I know Mr. King did not make that line up, a bunch of anrgy people who think they are being hated on when they wanted to steal made that up! MOVING ON! I think that Mr. King did do a lot, but comparably speaking to the fire that was Malcolm X, he was just a over touted man that got more credit than he deserved. Malcolm X was a true man of power and change for his peoples time, and truly should get more credit than what he gets. IF someone wants something done for a race, gender or society you can be fiery, and calm...and still get things done minus the riots. That much Malcolm X proved for the most part.

supernerd117 : As I said, I know that many police forces are racist and statistics show that they are much more at risk of getting arrested for anything. Separating "us" from state power is what weakens a citizens' movement. MLK's pacific resistance got a nice boost around the Selma protests, showing that E pluribus unum.

manicman66 : I made my point clear as to why bringing THAT subject was pertinent. As for Malcolm X, his violent rhetoric, as justified as it might have been, brought nothing to help people.