On a Saturday night, Colleen and I watched "The Butler".
It was the perfect movie to have watched this particular weekend as the following Monday was Martin
Luther King Day.
The movie was based
upon a true story that was written about an actual butler who worked at the
White House entitled “A Butler Well Served by This Election” by Wil Haygood.
The movie awoke in me a new understanding about the civil
rights movement of the 1960's and in many respects is still going on today in
the community of humankind. (How can I say mankind without offending or
including women also?)
Upon waking this morning, my mind was looking at my
relationship with all of mankind, my brothers and sisters of all races, colors,
religious beliefs, etc.
I grew up in this time of civil unrest and heard the news
stations perspectives about what was happening in the southern United States.
I had a wonderful teacher for only about 3 months in the 6th grade who
opened my eyes to current events and how we have to follow them. Now, 50
years later and having lived through those "current events" it is sad
for me to realize that many people don't remember or were never taught what
went on during those tumultuous times.
I have spent the past year reading some great books about
Abraham Lincoln and learned from various authors their perceptions of the
history of racial inequality and why Lincoln signed the “Emancipation
Proclamation” and then pushed for the passage of the 13th Amendment
to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery.
It took 100 years for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to
become the law of the land. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 gave the 14th Amendment the true power that
it was written for which was guaranteeing equal protection for ALL citizens of
the United States and the protection of voting rights of the 15th
Amendment. The bill was called for by
President John F. Kennedy when he addressed the nation on June 11, 1963 in
which he asked for legislation “giving all Americans the right to be served in
facilities which are open to the public – hotels, restaurants, theaters, retail
stores and similar establishments”, as well as “greater protection for the
right to vote”. The Act was signed into
law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964.
The movie showed wonderfully, how President Kennedy was stunned
and dismayed at the actions that certain state governments had taken in
fighting against the civil rights of the African-American community. I remember having those same feelings as a
young boy of 14 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
I grew up in Bingham Canyon, Utah, which was a small mining town 35 west
of Salt Lake City. I grew up with people
from throughout the world of Greek, Mexican and various other cultural communities
and my parents never once taught me hate.
In the movie a scene depicted students refusing to sit in the rear of
the establishment and how the crowd of “White” people reacted to them. I have since learned that the hate that I saw
portrayed in the movie is taught to children who become adults filled with rage
and hate.
The movie also portrayed the true Love of one of America’s
greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King. In one scene the actor portraying Dr. King
talked about what a great profession the butler/service profession was and that
we should embrace it and honor those that worked in that profession.
For the first time in years, I am thrilled and looking
forward to this great American Holiday, Marin Luther King Day.
And so now, the title of my blog comes around “full
circle”, and I say, “It really is all about love”. I
believe that it is time for Humanity to turn away from hate to love, from wars
to peace. We have tried war and
hate the entire age of humanity. Isn't it time for a change.
That is my blog for today. Have a wonderful and joyous Martin Luther King
Day and celebrate “Love!”
For the first time in years, I am thrilled and looking
forward to this great American Holiday, Marin Luther King Day.
Have a wonderful and joyous Martin Luther King Day and
celebrate “Love!”
(This was inadvertently deleted by me getting to understand Blogger so I have reposted today.)
