Synthesis: MLK, Eric Fromm, Hansberry
It is in man's nature the tendency and desire to evolve, no matter his level of development. There is a need to surpass one's limits which unfortunately can lead a man to engage in imprudent actions. This is why it is important to consider the best way of combining the efforts to improve while keeping in line with the moral percepts of both the society and the personal system of conduct. Drawing the line it would be fair to say that indeed the way in which one decides to revolt against his personal condition is a matter of personal choice and involves the system of values one share. The situation of the African American community is most revealing. Throughout the history of their presence on the American soil, the black community has been the subject of heated debate and confrontation with the white part of the society. This permanent state of facts has encouraged most often a violent approach to solving the issue of segregation and racial discrimination. From one point of view, this was condemned by those who argue that violence cannot be responded with still acts of violence. On the other hand, the extremist side of those fighting against racial discrimination point out that actions that are more visible to the white community
The response could be of agreement or disagreement but in the end it proved the power to decide on one's own. This is important because it is the certification of the fact that one has reach the intellectual maturity which enables him to take decisions. Therefore, despite the fact that he denied any success violence might have in supporting the cause of the black population, he did encourage resistance through silent marches, manifestations and high spirited speeches. Fromm points out that it is exactly this idea of not accepting the decisions others take in their behalf offers the ideal of freedom, and that only a free man can disobey the social rule imposed to him. Mama, the emblematic character representative for the desire to challenge her society imposed limitations chooses to move to a white area of Chicago, thus defying the established social covenant which separated the blacks from the whites. (King, 1963) Nonetheless, this can still be labeled as opposition which in turns brings about the issue of retaliation; subsequently the discussion follows the idea of obedience and disobedience as being morally correct. It is only after that the choice of means is made. At the same time, taking no action is not a viable solution either. (Hansberry, 1994) This can be seen as a practical application of the notions presented by Fromm, as they see this defiance as a proof of their independence and of their power to finally decide over their futureGeneralizing these ideas, it can be pointed out that indeed the manifestation of disobedience is a proof of power and independence, of maturity and courage. Still, the question then arises: to what extent can a man express his own will, without breaching the liberties and violating the freedoms and rights of his fellow human beings. From this point of view, disobedience is seen as a means of regaining freedom from the grips of the society. There are many ways to show rebellion towards different sets of norm, and yet one must chose a peaceful yet effective means of fighting injustice. In the end, despite numerous arguments inside the family, all its members decide to confront and challenge the system created by the white majority, disobeying both the arbitrary notion of social justice, mentioned by King, and the historical and cultural background of their racial conflict. It was therefore her way of revolting and of stating her position.
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Acceptance Essays
