Whitewashing The Rebel

Geov Parrish

January 17, 2005

If King were around today, he'd be called unpatriotic for his pacifism and persecuted under anti-terrorism statutes. King isn't remembered because he liked civic ceremonies and diversity training. He's remembered because he was a passionate leader who went against the grain and took great personal risks. He wasn't a warm and fuzzy guy, and we owe him more respect than a sanitized holiday provides, argues Geov Parrish.