Social Movements

Social Movements are only as important as the person leading them. The person(s) leading a social movement must have charisma and be able to captivate an audience. Political scientists and historians are taught to analyze body language, especially during debates and speeches.

For this assignment, you will watch Dr Martin Luther King's I Have a DreamLinks to an external site. speech and a speech by Alicia Garza of the Black Lives Matter movementLinks to an external site. and answer questions listed below. Pay special attention to the following aspects in the two speeches.

Importance of body language while delivering the speech.

Gestures, cadence and delivery style.

Answer the following:

Provide a summary of the two speeches.

Compare Dr. King's leadership, charisma, power and passion to capture his audience to Alicia Garza's speech. What are the similarities, if any? What are the differences, if any?

How does the location of the speeches support their messaging? Dr. King's speech was held in a church and at the Lincoln Memorial, whereas today we have social networking and more avenues to relay messages. Does messaging make a difference?

Describe how the audience in Dr. King's speeches relate to the Alicia Garza's audience. Do you see a similarity or differences in the speeches and in the audience?

Full Answer Section
Comparison of Dr. King's leadership, charisma, power and passion to capture his audience to Alicia Garza's speech:
  • Similarities: Both Dr. King and Alicia Garza are charismatic and passionate leaders who are able to capture the attention of their audiences. They both speak with conviction and power, and they both use their speeches to inspire and motivate people to take action.
  • Differences: Dr. King's speech is more poetic and idealistic, while Alicia Garza's speech is more direct and focused on the need for action. Dr. King's speech is also more hopeful, while Alicia Garza's speech is more realistic about the challenges that still need to be overcome.
How does the location of the speeches support their messaging?
  • Dr. King's speech: The location of Dr. King's speech at the Lincoln Memorial was significant because it was a place where many important speeches about freedom and equality had been given before. This helped to add to the power and symbolism of Dr. King's speech.
  • Alicia Garza's speech: The location of Alicia Garza's speech at the University of California, Santa Cruz was significant because it was a place where many students were gathered to learn about the Black Lives Matter movement. This helped to ensure that Alicia Garza's speech would reach a large audience of people who were already interested in the issue.
How do the audience in Dr. King's speeches relate to the Alicia Garza's audience?
  • Dr. King's audience: Dr. King's audience was made up of people from all walks of life, but they were all united by their desire for equality and justice. The audience was also very diverse, which reflected the diversity of the United States.
  • Alicia Garza's audience: Alicia Garza's audience was made up of students and young people who were interested in the Black Lives Matter movement. The audience was also very engaged and enthusiastic, which helped to create a sense of momentum for the movement.
Overall, both Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech and Alicia Garza's speech on Black Lives Matter are powerful and inspiring speeches that have helped to move the fight for equality forward. The speeches are similar in their message of hope and their call for action, but they also differ in their tone and style. Dr. King's speech is more poetic and idealistic, while Alicia Garza's speech is more direct and focused on the need for action. Both speeches are important landmarks in the history of the civil rights movement, and they continue to inspire people today.
Sample Answer Summary of the two speeches:
  • Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech: This speech was delivered on August 28, 1963, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In the speech, King called for an end to racism and discrimination in the United States. He spoke about his dream of a day when all people would be treated equally, regardless of their race.
  • Alicia Garza's speech on Black Lives Matter: This speech was delivered on February 26, 2016, at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In the speech, Garza discussed the Black Lives Matter movement and its goals. She spoke about the need to end police brutality and to create a more just and equitable society for all people.