As we celebrate the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., in the US this week, it is moving to revisit his August 28, 1963, "I have a dream" speech. This is oratory at its absolute best. There are gems in virtually every sentence -- a use of metaphor that is unparalleled. And a construction of the entire speech that is incredibly powerful, with a rhythmic repetition of key themes that builds in intensity and beauty.
View it as a great speech, but also view it as a lesson that needs to be reinforced regularly. Please take the 12 minutes and watch the whole thing.
If you cannot view the video, click here.
Paul:
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, thanks for the video. Reminds me of one of the most moving memorials I've seen--the Civil Rights Memorial, designed by Maya Lin. It uses one of the many great lines from this speech "until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." Well worth a visit to see it in Montgomery, AL.