Martin Luther King Drum Major Instinct

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In Martin Luther King Jr’s sermon “The Drum Major Instinct,” he describes the effects of the drum major instinct and how to use it to achieve the certain results. He begins with an example of how Jesus’ disciples display the same instinct and defines the drum major instinct. Afterwards, he expresses how destructive the drum major instinct is, but later on explains how to utilize it to create change in the world. He ends his sermon
Reciting a verse from the bible, King uses James’ and John’s request to stay by Jesus’ side as an example of the drum major instinct. Before allowing his audience to criticize their request, he argues that we all have the drum major instinct, a desire to be first or a desire to stand out. To alleviate the shame from wanting to be first, he points out that children, even at an innocent age, also have the drum major instinct and are “little bundles of ego.” Subsequently, he starts to discuss the drum major instinct in adults and its effect on their lives. Adults become “joiners” as a way to fulfil the need to be
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However, we need to take a course of action to initiate change. If we sat back and waited for change to happen, it will not happen. Change must be started by something. King’s fight for racial equality was started by a course of action that was against an injustice. He saw the discrimination that colored people had to face and passionately fought against it. We can all be a “ drum major for justice” if we are willing to react to injustice in the world. Even the smallest course of action can make the biggest difference. For example, voting for a legislature that allows the United States to accept refugees can help those in need. Sitting back and accepting the injustice placed upon innocents will not solve anything. It is only when a group of people join together that we are able to fix a problem and accomplish a