In class so far, we have talked a lot about what it means to be a charismatic leader. At first glance, we think that Martin Luther King Jr. embodied all of them and he did but he was so much more than just charisma. Although he was “a profound and provocative public speaker as well as an emotionally powerful one.” (Carson 29), he was also highly educated. He used his vast knowledge of religion to become a powerful leader with substance behind the charisma. He was also very much a product of his time. Carson discussed a lot about how the responsibilities of the leader of the civil rights movement were very much pushed upon King. This interacts with the conversations that we had in class about nature vs. nurture. I think Kings life and leadership demonstrated the 1/3 born, 2/3 made theory. I believe that he was born with the characteristics of a great leader but the tension between white people and African Americans made the perfect spot for King to grow as a charismatic leader.
King was able to rally crowds around a shared goal. Without him, I think the civil rights movement probably would have happened it just would have been a lot less organized and taken a lot longer. Once people band together and try to achieve goals together, change is much more likely to happen. This idea was also demonstrated during the gay rights movements. Once the LGBTQ+ community became one and began fighting for equality, the elected leaders of this nation actually began to listen. There is power in numbers and once a group of unhappy people finds a leader to organize their beliefs and anger, there is a much higher chance of real change happening.
The nurture portion of Kings life was very important to him becoming a leader. I would agree that it shaped the majority of what he became. He also was a minister which is also a leader, and I really think that gave him some guidance in leading the Civil Rights movement.
I think the idea the King was selected to be the leader was very intriguing. According to BG King wasnt prepared and he didn’t seek out the position. This really shows the idea of maturing into a leader and developing the traits and skills one has to form a charismatic person to which others will follow.
I agree with your idea that the Civil Rights Movement (CRM) would have been a lot more complicated and dragged out had it not been for MLK. His ability to influence people to behave a certain way around a shared goal was special. Further I agree that applying the 1/3 born 2/3 made theory here is appropriate because while he was extremely unique, the pressure of the CRM practically being pushed onto him resulted in him being able to apply his nonviolent ideologies and tactic to this situation.
Wow Marissa good stuff! I think your point about how the brutal and harsh state of Dr. King’s environment played a large role into his growth and rise as a public figure; it is interesting when a horrible circumstance is able to produce such a monumental individual in history.
I also really loved the connection to the LGBTQ+ community and King’s long term effect on nonviolent protests.
I agree with your point that Martin Luther King Jr. embodies the ⅓ born ⅔ made theory of leaders. In the article, Carson states although MLK Jr. was able to effectively emote and share his opinions on the black struggle, he saw the world from a “privileged position” (Carson 31) which was something many of his followers did not experience . MLK Jr.’s education and upbringing would support the ⅔ made potion of the theory. It is interesting to think about how even such historically significant and effective leaders as MLK Jr. openly admitted to shortcomings as a leader.
I agree that he definitely did use his religious background to help his position. He used this to both convince religious people to back him as well as bringing a moral aspect to the table.
MLK’s combination of higher education and religious upbringing not only supports the 1/3 born 2/3 made theory, but also allowed him to bridge a huge divide. He was able to communicate his ideas in ways that made sense and was powerful for all communities.