Declaration of Independence and Martin Luther Kings speech.
These two famous pieces of American history both show America's relentless desire to be free. They have shaped our history, pushing our rights and freedoms farther then any document previously made before them. Although they are very similar in pushing our freedoms, and contain other similarities, there are differences as well. This paper is designed to analyze some of these two pieces similarities and differences.
One similarity found in the two pieces, are that both express a desire to be free of something. The Declaration of Independence asked for freedom from rule of England. Martin Luther King's speech desired freedom from unfair segregation practices. Both feeling as though they were being treated unfairly, which is another similarity of the two documents.
Both writers expressed a strong feeling of being treated unfairly and called for action. Jefferson felt Americans were being used by the British and that they had been stripped of their human and nations rights. King's speech expressed the unfairness of how African Americans were being treated in the United States. Both authors believed strongly in the saying, "All men are created equal." Although it is similar that both pieces express unfairness, the type of unfairness delivered differed, as well as other parts in the writings.
There are several differences contrasting the two authors" pieces. One difference is the desired effect each piece strived for. In King's speech, King desired that all races and creeds be treated equally. He wanted all of America to unite, and judge no color or creed. He wanted all African Americans to be included in the white-free America, all receiving all the rights and benefits promised in the emancipation proclamation. King did not feel it necessary to separate from America, but to unite it, unlike the Declaration of Independence.