Martin Luther King Pursasive Speech Paper

3, January 2012

The American Dream Persuasive Essay

In his world famous speech, "I Have a Dream," Martin Luther King Junior expressed what he believed to be the true American Dream. His speech included strong words voicing his strong belief in equality for all American citizens, no matter what their skin color was. Although it is a completely different era, the core values and beliefs in freedom of individuals that makes up the American Dream has not changed from the 1960's to now.

In my opinion, the American Dream includes the right to freedom, a right to choices and freedom of oppression. Skin color should not be a hindrance to these beliefs. People should be able to make their own choices and have the freedom to live how they feel is right, regardless of their race. My beliefs are extremely similar to Martin Luther King Junior's beliefs in equality for all American citizens. There is not one part of his speech that included any bitterness or hatred, but even still, the true dream of America shined through.

Throughout American history, the United States has been perceived as the land where boundless opportunities are available. At the time when Martin Luther King Junior gave his speech, African Americans were not free as white people were. Although the Declaration of Independence stated that "all men are created equal" (Declaration of Independence), this was not a reality for all people at that time. Martin Luther King Junior's speech and his movement established the way for the idea that there is an American Dream.

This idea of American freedom and the idea of an American Dream is still relevant today. People are able to be anything they want to be. They can go to college and work regardless of their skin color. There are endless opportunities for American citizens and the American Dream, although an old concept is still completely relevant. Nowadays Martin Luther King Junior is not the only one who has "a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal'" (I Have a Dream Speech). This is now a reality for all American citizens through the true American Dream.