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Martin Luther King Nonviolence Research Paper

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Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated that “Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time - the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression” (Martin Luther King Jr. - Acceptance Speech, paragraph 4). He believed that violence could not come to an end if those attempting global peace and equality employed violence in their movements. President Barack Obama spoke about this during a 2009 Nobel lecture, stating that “As someone who stands here as a direct consequence of Dr. King’s life’s work, I am living testimony to the moral force of nonviolence” (Barack Obama Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech, paragraph 14). However, he also justified fighting evil with violence, making the claim that “A nonviolent movement could not have halted Hitler’s armies.” Both Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama agree that unjustified violence will solve none of the world’s political and moral issues. Martin Luther King, Jr. displayed his opinions on violence and war throughout his …show more content…

He stated "A nonviolent movement could not have halted Hitler's armies. Negotiations cannot convince al Qaeda's leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism - it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason" (Barack Obama Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech, paragraph 15). He does nothing to justify violence oppressing a certain race or religion, but condemns this violence. Nevertheless, he states violence is justified in certain circumstances, and says "if [war] is waged as a last resort or in self-defense; if the forced used is proportional, and if, whenever possible, civilians are spared from violence" (Barack Obama Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech, paragraph

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