Martin Luther King Birmingham Jail

"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." This is a very famous statement of Martin Luther King which comes from the letter he wrote in Birmingham jail. This letter of his, offered a very clear and specific point of view about the racism towards Afro-American people. It presented the reality of racial discrimination suffered by those who fit the profile back then.  In his statement, Martin Luther King wants the underestimated and mistreated people to get up and speak for themselves. Until and unless they demand and fight for their rights, they are not going to get it. This is similar to the quote “God helps them, who help themselves.”

“The yellow wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gillman provides great examples to prove his quote true. At the time the story was written, women were believed to be completely run by men. They had no control on their decisions, and had to always listen to their men. She is called to be mentally sick and has been prescribed “rest cure”. At one point in the play, she says,” Personally, I disagree with their ideas. Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good. But what is one to do?” (Gilman, 316). She knows pretty well that this idea of treating her, will do her no good but women did not speak in that time for what they felt. If there was no one in history to stand for the cause, then all women would still be surviving the same they used to, just like the Perkins in this case. “And I know John would think it absurd. But I must say I feel and think in same way- it is such a relief!” (Gilman, 321). In this line, she agrees to the fact that John is going to think it as ridiculous but her way of writing is quite relieving for her, which she is not willing to give up. Until and unless she demands her treatment the way she wants, she is not going to obtain it. In the story, The Yellow Wallpaper, the author sets herself free, “I’ve got out at last in spite of you and Jane. And I’ve pulled off most of the paper, so you can’t put me back” (Gilman, 328). Gilman has finally risen up and motivated herself to give up the captivated life. This is the demanded freedom which Martin Luther King refers to.

This oppression was not only particular to women in older times, but also to the public in general. They were not as open as they are in present times. This can be seen from the real world case of Egypt, where the public after continuous strikes and engagements for eleven days, brought the president down from his thirty years of rule. This was only possible after the crowd centralized its power and finally demanded their rights. The same thing happened when the citizens ousted the newly elected president Mohamed Morsy. This all was an achievement for the citizens of Egypt after they demanded what they felt was right. Thus, the country Egypt and the short story The Yellow Wallpaper are extraordinary examples for the quote given by Martin Luther King.