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Maya Angelou: Quote on MLK Jr. memorial makes him 'look like an arrogant twit'
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Renowned poet Maya Angelou recently told The Washington Post her feelings about a new Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Washington D.C. - and they were less than complimentary.The 30-foot statue has a quote inscribed on it, which reads, "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness."
"The quote makes Dr. Martin Luther King look like an arrogant twit," says Angelou. "He was anything but that. He was far too profound a man for that four-letter word to apply."
The quote in context is King talking about his own eulogy, in a sermon he gave just a few months before he died. The full quote is as follows, "If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter."
Angelou insists that taking out the "if you want to say" part makes King sound conceited, as though he were praising himself. And not only did the memorial officials remove the "if you want to say" part, but they condensed the entire quote, which is not what the historians charged with choosing which quote should be on the memorial had in mind, as they chose the quote in its entirety.
The Post's Rachel Manteuffel also points out that the original sermon from which teh quote was taken is about the human desire to be at the front of the pack, but that that is folly. King acknowledges in the sermon he is just as prone to this weakness of wanting to be out front as everyone else, but hopes he'll be remembered for his causes, not seeking attention. The quote on the statue does not convey that message at all, when taken out of context and shortened.
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When I was a child, we went on a school field trip to hear her read poetry. She answered questions from our group of sixth graders with great patience. Little did I know then how important she is to American culture, and I still value her opinion now because of that childnood experience !!!
When I was a child, we went on a school field trip to hear her read poetry. She answered questions from our group of sixth graders with great patience. Little did I know then how important she is to American culture, and I still value her opinion now because of that childnood experience !!!
If quotes are going to be posted then they should be posted as they are delivered, otherwise leave them out....I disagree with Ms. Angelou but quotes should not be condensed.
Agree, quotes should be quoted directly, but GET OVER IT!!
For years the black community waited for a memorial for DR.king. Well now you have one and some people are still ********. Your ungreatful
The article regards MLK quotation being taken out of context - the whole purpose for writing it! It does make MLK seem somewhat arrogant! The most important part "if you want to say" was removed! He basically said, IF you're going to say something about me, say THIS (it's really up to you, but try to respect my wish).... He didn't say, Go TELL the world THIS about me (I am - I demand)!
Hold the presses. I agree with Maya Angelou on something.
Although I'm not an expert on the words of Dr. King, I agree that this condensed quote is not the best at conveying this man's contribution to society. "I have a dream..." would have been a better inscription. It captures what has truly made this man memorable.
I concur with Justin W.
Justin W posted it best. "I have a dream would have been a much better inscription" 4 memorable purposes. & Bob, y should we have waited this long n the 1st plc? also, jus b/c he was black & the tribute took so long n the 1st plc, does that mean we should jus accept what they hand down 2 us? Smh, if ur gonna do sumthin, do it right or jus don't do it at all!!!
I have to say that in this case the full quote adds significant layers of meaning to reflect on the man himself in addition to his aims. The full quote would be a better choice for the inscription.