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The Birmingham Campaign in Alabama, pivoted by Martin Luther King Jr., being as controversial as it was, in the end, proved to be a success but might have turned to a different course if arranged by other proponents. Since political activism does not only respond to the urgent problems of its time but is strongly influenced in methodology by its leaders, it would be interesting to see the contrasting point of view affecting it. The purpose of this essay is to imagine two prominent figures from different eras and cultures, Lao Tzu and Niccolo Machiavelli, as Martin Luther King Jr’s advisors in the time prior to the Birmingham Campaign.
Machiavelli, with his stern and purely rational political philosophy devoid of any emotional aspect, would be a valuable advisor. Perhaps, if he was advising Dr. King at the planning stage of the campaign in Alabama, the methods the activists could use would involve more than a non-violent protest. Probably, the protesters would use some tactic aimed at disrupting the police the most, therefore, receiving more incidences of ruthlessness. Even though Machiavelli would have approved King’s goal for Birmingham Campaign “to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation”, it would end even in a bloodier result (King). It is hard to be sure of this, but this campaign could have worsened King’s reputation by producing an upheaval in the media, thus, making further discussion virtually impossible.
The reason Martin Luther King’s tactics were so persuasive to white Americans and all of the general public, is that he appeared to have dignity as a leader, with his strong belief in the non-violent form of protest. It is always the opposite force that found itself to be the target of the public’s condemnation, therefore, earning King and his organization a good reputation. It is possible to speculate that Lao Tzu’s pacifist approach could benefit the Civil Rights Movement even greater. The campaign would not be “loud”, so it would be possible to hold a series of protests. Pacifist style would generate a better image for Dr. King and would make a stronger point. Since police brutality was inevitable in the case of the Civil Rights Movement, it was better to spare the countless lives that would otherwise be lost in this ruthless political game.
Work Cited
King, Martin Luther Jr. “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”. African Studies Center – University of Pennsylvania, Web.
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