August 24th, 2009
How to Respond to Criticism – Learning from Dr. King 125 Comments
Total read time (bolded sections) = 5 minutes
Total read time (all) = 40 minutes
I am embarrassed to tell you that, up until three weeks ago, I had never read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham City Jail. It is, without a doubt, one of the best case studies in how to deal with criticism I’ve ever come across.
Much like the historic Declaration of Independence (4-minute read time) and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (30-second read time), not much happened immediately following publication.
The direct action that it helped catalyze, however, prompted police abuse that became front-page news around the world.
The news created pressure on the US government for a response, and when Martin Luther later spoke with President John F. Kennedy, it’s reported that JFK’s message was much the same as the clergymen below: please be patient; time will solve this.
Reverend King’s response was purportedly a simple statement of fact. “I can’t stop this movement. The children plan to march on to the capital.”
JFK’s then sighed and changed his tune: “OK. What do you want, Martin?”
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