They Asked King “Why” too
Why Disruptive Protests Are Vital in the Fight for Justice
A Free Palestine Protest Held Saturday, March 2nd In Eugene Oregon
(we don’t like doxing)
In the atmosphere of the ongoing genocide in Palestine, students at the University of Oregon are channeling the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" to confront injustice head-on through disruptive nonviolent protests. Student groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) have been working tirelessly to raise awareness and make us all "cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states." Aligned with the wisdom of Dr. King's timeless words, these students are advocating for disruptive protests as a necessary measure in the pursuit of justice.
Quick Background…
While King never spoke clearly about his position on Palestinian freedom, in a sermon he made while visiting Jerusalem, King clarified how he feels about a segregated Arab-Israeli state: “that ancient holy city has been divided and split up and partitioned. And before you can enter one side of the city, it must be clear that you will not enter the other…”
“This was a strange feeling to go to the ancient city of God and see the tragedies of man’s hate and his evil, which causes him to fight and live in conflict,” King’s testament makes you think how horrified he would be to see the continued violence being brought against the Palestinian people today. Remember: Jesus was born in Palestine.
King’s 1967 interview, often unaddressed, also expressed his belief that Israel would need to give up the conquered territory during the 6-Day war in order to amend relationships with neighboring Arab countries.
But back to the present at UO…
In response to a Die-In organized by SJP to draw attention to the lives lost in Rafah, many questioned the “negative” impact and effectiveness of the disruptive demonstration. Answers echoed the testament of King when his direct acts of nonviolent disruptive protest were questioned. He wrote in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, "your statement… fails to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations." It's a poignant reminder that addressing the underlying causes is the goal and a call to challenge cries of discomfort from those who do not wish to see real change happen. There will always be those who question the methods, asking, "Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches, and so forth?"
If you are ever met with these questions by fellow students, King's teachings might be able to help you shed a light on the purpose of such direct action: "The purpose of our direct-action program is to create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation…”
The recent vigil organized by SJP to honor lives lost in Palestine, part of a broader week of remembrance with Jewish Voices for Peace, is another vivid example of the type of disruptive nonviolent action King emphasized. King also speaks on this type of demonstration in his letter, writing "Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue they have ignored." Disruptive protests serve to elevate the issue, ensuring it can no longer be brushed aside. Specifically, highlighting University of Oregon’s continued financial contributions to organizations and companies aiding Israels genocide against Palestine.
“The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself…”
Disruptive protests are not acts of violence but expressions of urgency and desperation. As King states, "Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever." The urgency demands powerful action, even if it means disrupting the peace. Dr. King's words highlight that “we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with”; it's about exposing the existing tension and addressing it.
Dr. King emphasizes the interconnectedness of communities: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." As students, our power is strongest on campus, but our commitment to justice transcends geographical boundaries. Dr. King's call for honest and committed activism encourages us to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of acceptability.
Let us follow the footsteps of SJP and JVP, heed the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize the importance of disruptive protests in the fight for justice. Students have a moral obligation to speak out against oppression and advocate for change. Rather than being deterred by criticism or discomfort, let us stand united in our pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
A Free Palestine Protest Held Saturday, March 2nd In Eugene Oregon
(we don’t like doxing)
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This incorporation of quotes from Dr. King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" emphasizes the relevance of his teachings to current student activism, emphasizing the importance of disruptive protests in the pursuit of justice. Kings letter stands as a pinnacle document in the history of civil rights activism in the United States. Penned in 1963, the letter was a response to criticism of King's nonviolent protest against racial segregation. While the immediate context of the letter revolves around the struggle for racial justice in America, King's sentiments and insights extend far beyond the specific issues of his time. One of the key themes of the letter is nonviolent direct action, even if it involves disruption to societal norms. King's articulation of the urgency of taking action and the strategic use of tension and disruption has universal applicability. His principles, founded in the civil rights movement, have become guiding lights for activists worldwide, transcending borders and causes. As such, King's letter continues to inspire movements advocating for justice, equality, and human rights globally, including contemporary student activism for causes such as the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights.
