Blog Assignment #1

After reading the Bob Herbert editorial, write a brief reflective response (1-2 paragraphs) based on the following 3 points:

What does Mr. Herbert describe as the problem with Black America article? 

Do you agree or disagree with his perspective?

Herbert calls for a new Civil Rights Leader, which reminds us of the great work of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Now that you have read the speech, how do Mr. Herbert and Dr. Martin Luther King differ in terms of both the cause and solution to the plight of Blacks in America?  

Herbert states that although the slavery era is behind us, there are still many problems that black people face in the present day which he believes are largely self-inflicted due to black American’s behavior. While I do agree with Herbert’s standpoint on this issue, I believe that it is important to identify why this is happening, and that while one could claim it the behavior is self-inflicted I believe it is a vicious cycle that many black people have a difficult time escaping because of their upbringing, knowledge, and opportunities. That’s not to say that they are helpless beings and that it is out of their control and they shouldn’t take accountability for their actions. I just believe that he is a little bit harsh on blacks, and I think if any race was put in some of the positions black americans are put in then the results would be similar. 

Mr. Herbert and Dr. Martin Luther King’s view points are similar in that they are advocating for a revolution, or change among the black community, but their reasonings for why these issues are present and the ways in which they believe we should go about achieving change differ. Herbert believes that the cause of these issues are due to self infliction that black people have put upon themselves while Dr. Martin Luther King believes the issues are present due to the promise of the nation that every citizen would be ensured equality and happiness, which was not kept and carried out sufficiently for black Americans.  The solution MLK provides is much broader than Herbert’s and claims that blacks can never be satisfied until they receive equality, and that they must take a stand without resorting to violence, but instead using “soul force.” Herbert on the other hand makes a much more concise and simple solution to the problem which would be for black women and men to come together in a meeting and brain storm creative ideas to approach the issues.