tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710890984581890461.post1967938076720871492..comments2010-05-19T12:45:19.139-07:00Comments on Altars and Alters to the Market: Precis: MLK Jr.'s "A Time to Break Silence"Dale Carricohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811055279887722298noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710890984581890461.post-65848429944778850432010-03-01T00:44:41.348-08:002010-03-01T00:44:41.348-08:00A very comprehensive analysis of speech--as you sa...A very comprehensive analysis of speech--as you said--"loaded with rhetorical goodies." I think if we consider the general framework of the speech, then we see that it's a classic jeremiad, condemning the fallen state of present society while also issuing a hopeful call to action. <br /><br />These forceful--and very apocalyptic--words are the words of a courageous man, not afraid to call an evil, an evil and to condemn those deserving of condemnation. <br /><br />It's sad how these kinds of words are considered "un-American." I think Reagan really hegemonized the idea of being a "proud" American, which reduces being an American to the vacuous spectacle of displaying one's "pride." <br /><br />Consider the last two presidential elections: if a candidate didn't wear a flag lapel then they weren't considered a "proud" American and therefore considered somehow "un-American"<br /><br />If MLK were to give the same speech today, the corporate news media would condemn him like Rev. Wright. Obama would then probably have to distance himself from MLK too...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com