Students -
Please watch the following clips on YouTube and answer the following questions. This post will be due at 7:30 AM on Monday morning.
Martin Luther King's Last Public Speech — text ( http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm)
audio of speech (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIaQ5glP-38)
Video of final section of speech (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0FiCxZKuv8)
Robert F Kennedy's impromptu address in Indianapolis announcing MLK's death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E3-_z5YP0M)
1) Compare the closing paragraphs of Plato's Apology with MLK's final public statement. How do Socrates and MLK seem to view death? Why?
2) MLK compared himself with Socrates thusly:
Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, we must see the need of having nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men to rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.
In other words, the non-violent protesters of the Civil Rights movement are thus like Socrates - gadflies. What does a 'gadfly' look like in today's world, in today's America?
3) Robert Kennedy, in his address to the crown at Indianapolis, cites ancient Greek poetry and wisdom. Why does he do this? How is Aeschylus relevant to the 20th century? What does this imply about wisdom, truth, and philosophy?
1. Neither Dr. King nor Socrates were afraid of death. Dr. King had accomplished what he wanted to and had seen everything he wanted to see and had "seen the Promise Land." He wasn't going to be afraid of death because he had seen worse. He had been through so much and watched black people rise above the prejudice. Because of this, he was at ease with the threats he had gotten. The people that he stood up for were beginning to stand up for themselves, so he knew he has accomplished what he wanted to accomplish. Socrates, on the other had, was ready for death as well. He knew wherever he ended up, it would be better than hell. Like Dr. King, he had stood up for himself many times. If death was what was coming next, he came to grips with that.
ReplyDelete2. In today's world, I think a gadfly would be someone who strongly promotes resource efficiency. Everyone is so focused on the harshest pollutants because they are able to get a lot of bang for their buck. Those who fight against this are put down. There is so much of a demand for oil and gas that if someone tries to preach solar power, they are shut down. Everyone else is in it for the money while this gadfly is in it for a better world. In today's America, I think a gadfly would be someone who goes against celebrity. Our nation is obsessed with fame. Boys and girls all over the US pray to one day be in the shining lights. This free spirited gadfly would be someone who works in a field of science, perhaps, or someone who searches for fossils. This is someone who wouldn't know or wouldn't care about how many kids Angelina Jolie has.
3. Kennedy quotes Aeschylus because he is enforcing his point of making a decision to he angry about Dr. Kings death, or to agree and be peaceful about it. This quote meant a lot then, and it means a lot now. People want to be upset with bad things happen to good people, especially when it's an issue of prejudice. One side wants to fight against the other, but Aeschylus' quote makes the point that out of these bad happenings, comes a certain wisdom and realization about peace. There is a decision to be made, and there is only a right one. People have to realize the truth about right and wrong. Even when one is tempted to retaliate, they must contemplate their actions and think before they act.
1) In both MLKs statement and Socrates closing statements the almost see before their eyes what they have accomplished. Mlk gave his people hope. He gave them something to lift the heads up, something to make them come out of their shell and be proud of who they were, he gave his people a reason to fight back not using violence but instead by using words. Socrates was very similar to MLK because they both had people following their words and actions. Socrates had so many that the court had sentenced him to death. Though Socrates and Mlk died for their causes they both were never afraid of death. They didn’t fear it because they had accomplished everything they had set their minds to. The main idea that left Mlk and Socrates in their own sub cadegory was they believed that it wasn’t what people called you or how old you were but what you did for the world is what you are remembered for.
ReplyDelete2) A Gadfly in today’s society is someone that uses his or her status in society to speak out against what they think is wrong. In today’s society people’s heroes are the actors, actresses, professional athletes and pop stars. To be a Gafly in today’s America you almost have to be in one of theses categories. For example if U2 decided to have a no shoes week then al of their fans would decide not to where the shoes even if they didn’t know the cause behind it. Another example of a Gafly in today’s society is someone who is constantly questioning everything. For example the Government our ethics, mannerisms and our average mans traits.
3) In Kennedy’s address he quotes Aeschylus because he knows how angry Mlk’s followers are. He tries to calm them down by the quote because in the quote it talks about how even when something bad happens to good people it brings others together. Not necessarily a time to rejoice but a time to stand up proud for what that person accomplished in life. The quote also talks about retaliation and control. It preaches about no matter how bad a person wants to feel and obtain revenge they must find peace within themselves because no matter what happens revenge just leads to more hatred and more blood shed
1. Plato and MLK both believe that the world is a sick place in a sense. They both express that there is trouble in the land that they live in. Also they both are not afraid of anything. PLato expresses how if he is supposed to die then he will die. Also MLK expresses how "we have nothing to fear but fear itself".
ReplyDelete2. A gadfly in today's American would be a protester or someone who speaks out about something they believe in when the majority is afraid to speak out. A gadfly in today's society would be someone that creates tension for a good cause.
3. He cites this ancient greek poem, because no matter how old it is it still relates to recent times. The poem is supposed to reflect the fact that division of today's world is wrong. Also that the world doesn't need violence and hatred but love and wisdom.
1. In Socrates and Martin Luther King’s sermons, they exert power and confidence. Neither one is scared of death, yet they both know it is coming soon in their future. They view death as a new beginning, and they are “happy” and “cheer[ful]” about their deaths. They do not fear, and view the people’s want for their death as pitiful. These men are very powerful, and the threat of death, to them, is another example of there integrity. Bravely, they devote their lives to help the people, opening new doors, as theirs close.
ReplyDelete2. A gadfly is defined as “a persistently annoying person”, which comes off as a negative thing. However, in Socratic terms, this is a person that never gives up until something is completed. In today’s world a gadfly would be like a protester who sits in the streets, persuading people to think like them, and not giving in until what they believe is right, is brought to righteousness.
3. Robert Kennedy cites ancient Greek poetry and wisdom, not only because Martin Luther King did, but also because it amplifies the words he is speaking. His references give a base to the point that he is trying to get out. Kennedy refers to Aeschylus’ line "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God," in order to explain how everyone feels about the death of Martin Luther King. This implies that everyone has feelings, some which are not shown, that are expressed in different ways. It shows that these philosophers really know what is going on, and they try to prove it, however they can.
1. Both Martin Luther King Jr. and Plato's speeches view death as nothing more than what it is. MLK was willing to die for the cause but wished it was not the way things had to be. Plato's apology said that death wasn't so bad because "no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death" (20). Neither MLK nor Socrates were angry with those whom opposed them.
ReplyDelete2. In America's society today, the gadflies would be the conservative commentators and the progressive protagonists. The conservative commentators would be those on talk radio and Fox at night because they challenge and critique the wisdom and action of the leading party, democratic, in both the House of Representatives and Senate and the political agenda of President Obama when they are purely on lookers to the events. The progressive protagonists are those who want to change the capatalistic and conservative vies held by many americans. They also want to raise taxes on the wealthy class in order to give more money to those who depend fully, if not 90%, on government support.
3. Kennedy does this to represent that he is not the only one throughout history that sees this point of view, but even philosophers from previous eras agree with such opinions. It implies that no matter what century or era, everyone everywhere is seeking the same goal which is to achieve peace and the knowledge of how to maintain order within a society. This implies that regardless of race and different mentalities we must find a way to end violence and seek harmony within ourselves and others around us.
1. Socrates and MLK are very similar in many ways. They both exert great power and force in their words. They know what they want to say and they don't regret their words in any way. They know that death will be the consequences but that isn't important to them. All that's important to them is the change they will make for the future.
ReplyDelete2. A gadfly in todays world would be an annoying person who criticizes other people and doesn't stop until they get what they want.
3. Robert Kennedy uses these Greek philosophers words because they are still relevant today. People still believe that what he says about having feelings and expressing them differently is the same today. This implies that Aeschylus' views of wisdom, truth, and philosophy are still around today and still apply in todays life.
1. Just as Socrates was not afraid of death, neither was Dr. Martin Luther King. King is content that he has done God's will and plan for him. He has confidence that he will reach the promise land. Death is no threat to a man who has seen the world in so many different ways. I think Dr. Martin Luther King had confidence in the fact the he would be with God, and would be able to look down at what he had done for all of his people. I believe, that just as Socrates was determined to speak his beliefs, Dr. King was not going to let any fear keep him from doing God's will.
ReplyDelete2.I think a Gadfly in today's society is someone who is determined to see change, no matter how difficult it may be. Political leaders, such as Obama and even Sarah Palin, who have refused to let the hatred of other people keep them from speaking about what they think is right. In todays society it is much easier to get a message to people with all of our technology. Messages from computers and TV can be seen all the time, whether its promoting a new idea, or just a new way of skin care.
3. Bobby Kennedy cites the ancient Greeks, because he needs to get his point about the nation, and how people need to learn to understand one another. He try's to tell the people that the US needs love, wisdom, and compassion towards one another. It no longer matters if you are white or black, but you learn to live together in peace, and improve the quality of life. Aeschylus relates to the 20th century, because he believes that through tragedy and loss we can learn. I think this shows that wisdom and philosophy are not all about science and ancient Greeks, but it is about understanding the world and one another. If we can learn to understand philosophy, maybe we can learn to live with one another in peace.
1.) For both Socrates and Martin Luther King, death is neither scary nor something to worry about. They both feel that nothing in death is bad. Socrates knows that his death is premonitory, and because of the impending death, he has a more positive view about it. He believes that death can't be bad, in that, it is either like sleeping, or you're in heaven; either way, it is pretty good. He quotes that whether life or death is better, God only knows. On the other hand, though Martin Luther King doesn't really mind death, he still has the opportunity to live, and would prefer so because of it.
ReplyDelete2.) The definition of a gadfly á la Socrates and Martin Luther King is someone who will non violently pester the population to provoke thought and reflection. In today's societies the gadfly would be just that; someone who compels the citizens to examine their assumptions and points of view. Specifically, he could show himself in the media as a columnist, who often takes strong positions to spur thought in his audience.
3.) Bobby Kennedy cites the ancient greeks to show that violence is transcendental among all time periods and cultures, and that rather, instead of violence, the people need to accept love, compassion, wisdom, and justice for everyone. By doing this, he implies that the search for wisdom and truth is never ending. Violence and hatred are prevalent, and will continue to be prevalent. However, with philosophy, and the pursuit of truth and wisdom, there is hope that these ways will be mitigated.