On Assertiveness: Reflections on MLK, Jr.

On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the assasination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 4, 1968), what can we say we have learned from having lived in the same generation and in the same country as this great human being?

For one thing, it does seem to matter that a person speak up for what he/she wants and not leave it to others to read one's mind. If ever one thought that the only kindnesses that are worthwhile are the ones that are freely offered without being asked for or demanded, surely the example of Martin Luther King, Jr., should convince us that the only real goals worth achieving are those that we have worked for and earned.

This is on my mind right now because of a group that I met with Wednesday night (April 1). We discussed the merits of ASSERTIVENESS vs. Passiveness or Aggressiveness. I think that Martin Luther King, Jr., was the quintessential example of assertiveness applied to large social issues.