The Misrepresentation of the Radical Dr. King
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Black History Month, as broadly understood by non-Black Americans, is framed as a story of resilience. It is a narrative about progress toward a post-racial society, rather than a narrative which centers the very real history of the Black community and how their fight against dehumanization continues today. The commodification of this symbolic month does not just misconstrue its teachings, but also misrepresents prominent Black civil rights leaders.; This is particularly evident when it comes to the legacy of the revered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King's civil rights legacy is rightfully celebrated and respected by many, not only for his unwavering commitment to justice but also for the eloquence and power of his words. His speeches and writings continue to inspire generations, resonating with their timeless message of hope and solidarity. It is precisely these words that have been co-opted and distorted under American capitalism and political manipulation.
One of the most egregious examples of this distortion is the widespread use of Dr. King's quotes in marketing campaigns aimed at driving up sales and revenue. His powerful words, which were once a rallying cry for justice, have been whitewashed to sell everything from cars to mattresses. The marketing system in the United States is driven by low cost and high exploitation hidden under the facade of moral missions and values. Co-opting ethical messaging has become a business tactic. This commercialization not only cheapens the significance of Dr. King’s message but also perpetuates a superficial understanding of his teachings.
Moreover, many of Dr. King's most popularly used quotes are often intentionally twisted to promote a message of "color blindness". Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, who is notably anti-Black, quoted Dr. King’s messaging to “not be judged by the color of [one’s] skin but by the content of their character” to introduce legislation to stop Black history from being taught in Florida public schools. This selective appropriation conveniently overlooks the radical nature of his beliefs and the systemic injustices he fought against. Instead, it serves to uphold a false narrative that diminishes the ongoing struggle for racial equality – to be respected as a human, and to be understood as Black without assimilation. This includes acceptance in culture, in art, in celebration, in grief, in wholeness, rather than in condition.
Furthermore, Dr. King's legacy is often presented in isolation, ignoring the contributions of other equally important figures in the civil rights movement. Figures like Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Bayard Rustin are often sidelined, despite their significant role in shaping the fight for freedom and equality. Their voices and perspectives offer valuable insights into the complexities of the struggle and the diversity of tactics employed to achieve progress. Their voices are often silenced, as their messaging cannot be made palatable for the media and the American government.
Malcolm X, for instance, advocated for Black empowerment and self-defense, challenging the notion of nonviolent resistance preached by Dr. King. His unapologetic critique of white supremacy and calls for Black liberation remain deeply influential to this day. Similarly, Angela Davis's fearless advocacy for racial justice and the abolishment of prisons is what drove her to notoriety, as she was considered the most dangerous woman in America by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her work continues to inspire activists around the world. Bayard Rustin was also a key organizer of the historic March on Washington. He faced discrimination within the movement due to his sexuality but tirelessly fought for civil rights, never once denying his queerness nor wavering from the cause.
It is essential to recognize that Dr. King was more radical than he is portrayed to be. He was a vocal critic of capitalism and believed in the need for a “radical redistribution of political and economic power”. His vision for America was not merely one of racial integration but rather a fundamental reimagining of society based on principles of justice and equity. Though Dr. King preached nonviolence he also famously said, "a riot is the language of the unheard”. His words remind us of the urgency to address root causes of social unrest rather than demonizing those most harmed.
To truly honor his legacy, we must confront the uncomfortable truths of America's past and present oppressive nature and work towards building a more equitable future for all.
In his later years, Dr. King became increasingly outspoken against the Vietnam War and economic inequality, recognizing the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression. He believed in the need for reparations and the total reframing of American political and economic infrastructure. His vision for America was not just for Black Americans to be included in society but for a complete overhaul of a system founded on genocide and slavery.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy deserves celebration, and it is also essential to acknowledge how it has been distorted and commodified. His life and activism were far more than the fabricated version of him presented to the public. As we commemorate Black History Month, let us remember the true spirit of Dr. King's message and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Some ways that you can do this are as follows:
Read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts on Black history by Black people.
Book: Aint I a Woman by bell hooks
Documentary: Stamped from the Beginning on Netflix
Podcast: Noire History
Engage in learning.
Attend a teach-in.
Take a class on Black history – CrashCourse offers free and in-depth videos for learning.
Donate to organizations that advance the justice and rights of the Black community.