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MLK’s “Racism and the World House”: More Relevant than Ever

"In a Single Garment of Destiny": A Global Vision of Justice . Edited by Lewis V. Baldwin and published by Beacon Press.

In the statement, “Racism and the World House,” Martin Luther King, Jr. provided perhaps his most sophisticated analysis of racism as a global phenomenon, with a special focus on both its tragic impact on people of color and its threat to human welfare and survival as a whole. King’s essential point was that “the world house” at its best could never be sustained on a foundation of personal and institutionalized racism. His image of “the world house” provides a model for new kinds of reflection around issues of race even today.

The world in which King lived and traveled embodied many of the same problems that exist today in the area of race relations. Most disturbing are the lingering, antiquated ideas about race and ethnicity, and the personal and institutionalized racism that continues to fragment the social and political landscape on a national and global scale. The phenomenon of racialized others still defines our world on so many levels, as evidenced in recent times by the rise of hate groups, hate crimes, and politically motivated patterns of racial profiling in the United States.

These new color-line issues must be taken seriously and addressed properly if people are to forge new paths toward an authentically multi-racial and multi-ethnic world. There is a need to revisit so much of what King said about race and how freedom-loving people might best dismantle the structures of racism, while also advancing values that solidify rather than fragment our common humanity. King’s legacy of ideas and activism can serve as a resource for a radical critique of how race is viewed and institutionalized worldwide today. The documents in part II of “In a Single Garment of Destiny”: A Global Vision of Justice expose us to the moral force of his words and suggest the need for a reconsideration of his meaningfulness for our times.

— Lewis V. Baldwin

From Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? By Martin Luther King, Jr. (1967)

Among the moral imperatives of our time, we are challenged to work all over the world with unshakable determination to wipe out the last vestiges of racism. As early as 1906, W.E.B. Du Bois prophesied that “the problem of the twentieth century will be the problem of the color line.” Now as we stand two-thirds into this exciting period of history, we know full well that racism is still that hound of hell which dogs the tracks of our civilization.

Racism can well be that corrosive evil that will bring down the curtain on Western civilization.

Racism is no mere American phenomenon. Its vicious grasp knows no geographical boundaries. In fact, racism and its perennial ally—economic exploitation—provide the key to understanding most of the international complications of this generation.

The classic example of organized and institutionalized racism is the Union of South Africa. Its national policy and practice are the incarnation of the doctrine of white supremacy in the midst of a population which is overwhelmingly black. But the tragedy of South Africa is not simply in its own policy; it is the fact that the racist government of South Africa is virtually made possible by the economic policies of the United States and Great Britain, two countries which profess to be the moral bastions of our Western world.

In country after country we see white men building empires on the sweat and suffering of colored people. Portugal continues its practices of slave labor and subjugation in Angola; the Ian Smith government in Rhodesia continues to enjoy the support of British-based industry and private capital, despite the stated opposition of British government policy. Even in the case of the little country of South West Africa we find the powerful nations of the world incapable of taking a moral position against South Africa, though the smaller country is under the trusteeship of the United Nations. Its policies are controlled by South Africa and its manpower is lured into the mines under slave-labor conditions.

The Bible and the annals of history are replete with tragic stories of one brother robbing another of his birthright and thereby insuring generations of strife and enmity.

During the Kennedy administration there was some awareness of the problems that breed in the racist and exploitative conditions throughout the colored world, and a temporary concern emerged to free the United States from its complicity, though the effort was only on a diplomatic level. Through our ambassador to the United Nations, Adlai Stevenson, there emerged the beginnings of an intelligent approach to the colored peoples of the world. However, there remained little or no attempt to deal with the economic aspects of racist exploitation. We have been notoriously silent about the more than $700 million of American capital which props up the system of apartheid, not to mention the billions of dollars in trade and the military alliances which are maintained under the pretext of fighting Communism in Africa.

Nothing provides the Communists with a better climate for expansion and infiltration than the continued alliance of our nation with racism and exploitation throughout the world. And if we are not diligent in our determination to root out the last vestiges of racism in our dealings with the rest of the world, we may soon see the sins of our fathers visited upon ours and succeeding generations. For the conditions which are so classically represented in Africa are present also in Asia and in our own backyard in Latin America.

Everywhere in Latin America, one finds a tremendous resentment of the United States, and that resentment is always strongest among the poorer and darker peoples of the continent. The life and destiny of Latin America are in the hands of United States corporations. The decisions affecting the lives of South Americans are ostensibly made by their government, but there are almost no legitimate democracies alive in the whole continent. The other governments are dominated by huge and exploitative cartels that rob Latin America of her resources while turning over a small rebate to a few members of a corrupt aristocracy, which in turn invests not in its own country for its own people’s welfare but in the banks of Switzerland and the playgrounds of the world.

Here we see racism in its more sophisticated form: neocolonialism. The Bible and the annals of history are replete with tragic stories of one brother robbing another of his birthright and thereby insuring generations of strife and enmity. We can hardly escape such a judgment in Latin America, any more than we have been able to escape the harvest of hate sown in Vietnam by a century of French exploitation.

Either they share in the blessings of the world or they organize to break down and overthrow those structures or governments which stand in the way of their goals.

There is the convenient temptation to attribute the current turmoil and bitterness throughout the world to the presence of a Communist conspiracy to undermine Europe and America, but the potential explosiveness of our world situation is much more attributable to disillusionment with the promises of Christianity and technology.

The revolutionary leaders of Africa, Asia, and Latin America have virtually all received their education in the capitals of the West. Their earliest training often occurred in Christian missionary schools. Here their sense of dignity was established and they learned that all men were sons of God. In recent years their countries have been invaded by automobiles, Coca-Cola and Hollywood, so that even remote villages have become aware of the wonders and blessings available to God’s white children.

Once the aspirations and appetites of the world have been whetted by the marvels of Western technology and the self-image of a people awakened by religion, one cannot hope to keep people locked out of the earthly kingdom of wealth, health, and happiness. Either they share in the blessings of the world or they organize to break down and overthrow those structures or governments which stand in the way of their goals.

Former generations could not conceive of such luxury, but their children now take this vision and demand that it become a reality. And when they look around and see that the only people who do not share in the abundance of Western technology are colored people, it is an almost inescapable conclusion that their condition and their exploitation are somehow related to their color and the racism of the white Western world.

This is a treacherous foundation for a world house. Racism can well be that corrosive evil that will bring down the curtain on Western civilization. Arnold Toynbee has said that some twenty-six civilizations have risen upon the face of the earth. Almost all of them have descended into the junk heaps of destruction. The decline and fall of these civilizations, according to Toynbee, was not caused by external invasions but by internal decay. They failed to respond creatively to the challenges impinging upon them. If Western civilization does not now respond constructively to the challenge to banish racism, some future historian will have to say that a great civilization died because it lacked the soul and commitment to make justice a reality for all men.

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Martin Luther King’s vision of an interconnected world is more relevant than ever

We are facing converging global crises — a horrific pandemic, worsening economic inequality both in the United States and globally, climate change and the continuing scourge of systemic racism around the world. What would Martin Luther King Jr. think or advise if he were alive today? What might he say in these days after the Capitol Building was attacked by a primarily white mob that was seeking to usurp the results of a free and fair election and implement an America First agenda through violent force?

To get to these answers, we need to consider one of King’s most important and overlooked pieces of writing, The World House , a chapter in the last book he wrote, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” This chapter was taken largely from the Noble Prize  Lecture  at the University of Oslo on December 11, 1964. It is one that he pored over for more than a month, as he prepared to use his platform on a global stage to make a call for a radical new world.

The metaphor of the “World House” came to King when he read a newspaper article about a famous novelist who had died. “Among his papers was found a list of suggested plots for future stories, the most prominently underscored being this one: ‘A widely separated family inherits a house in which they have to live together,'” King wrote. “This is the great new problem of mankind. We have inherited a large house, a great ‘world house’ in which we have to live together — Black and white, easterner and westerner, gentile and Jew, Catholic and Protestant, Muslim and Hindu — a family unduly separated in ideas, culture and interest, who, because we can never again live apart, must learn somehow to live with each other in peace.”

Previous Coverage

King’s writing came with a promise: we could be on the edge of an important philosophical and systemic breakthrough, where the understanding and solidarity of a more connected world leads us to build systems that more effectively satisfy the full human needs of all. It also came with a warning though. If we do not dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism, if we continue to invest in the military at far greater rates than we invest in the poor and other vulnerable people, if we fail to take seriously the wealth gap at home and between the richest nations and our neighbors we will, like so many before us, descend into the “junk heaps” of history, not from external threats but from our own “internal decay.”

Sadly, much of that decay has only worsened in the United States and the response to it requires the continued growth of disciplined nonviolent social movements that continue to push for change without falling into the America First trap. This required in King’s eyes a major shift in our worldview. One of the greatest shortcomings of modernity he saw was the tragic delusion that we are more separate than we are. King believed that a sense of radical interconnectivity must be a cornerstone of movement analysis and social justice. What are the barriers to this sense of solidarity? In the World House he focuses on racism, greed and systematic economic exploitation, as well as nationalism and militaristic ambition, as major forces that continue to push us apart and toward the brink of annihilation.

COVID-19 is a dramatic and painful reminder of how things work when they go awry in the World House. In the World House what affects one can affect all indirectly eventually, but not all people are impacted equally . Under one roof, in the World House, if someone is sick, then you may catch it. If someone is poor, they can be hidden away, banished into the basement with little light or access to that which helps sustain life, but they are still there. In the World House today, the disenfranchised increasingly are aware of what the master bedroom looks like, that those with privilege sit at the dinner table and enjoy the finest food while they are left with so little. Our housemates, “essential workers” as they are called currently, grow the food, serve the coffee and tend to the sick, often with far too little financial support.

When King said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere it was not a moralistic platitude encouraging us to be nice to each other.

There is an unavoidable resentment that comes with that but also a tremendous loss well before any pitchforks are raised or mops set on fire or protests planned. The creativity, the dignity, the safety that comes from sharing a home in a way that allows for us to be fully human together is not possible in this setting. Our relationships in this state of inequality are twisted, stunted, as the privileged in the World House look to barricade themselves and are protected and shielded from many of life’s hardships. This creates a false sense of separation and security, and it reinforces a false superiority.

In this way, America has a long history of social distancing. We have in our society been social distancing from the beginning. When European colonists killed Indigenous people and forced them onto reservations, the government made genocide followed by social distancing (the reservation) an official policy. When white people violently forced Black people into bondage for 400 years this ensured distancing. We cannot remain intimately connected while denying people basic freedoms and enforcing that exploitation through physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual violence.

Today we are at a distance when the gap between the poor and rich increases so dramatically that 90 percent of the wealth is in the hands of 1 percent of the population, when a Black mother has to worry about the fact that, during childbirth, she is five times more likely to die or lose her child than a white mother. We are creating social distance and reinforcing it when we accept schools that are more racially segregated today than when King died.

King was calling for an end to the pain of this kind of social distancing long before COVID-19 shined a light on the destructive impacts of this separation. He offered three main areas to work on.

First, we must work all over the world with “unshakable determination to wipe out the last vestiges of racism.” We have seen this work return to the forefront of global struggles for justice again with the Movement for Black Lives. There has been a global outpouring of support and love for this movement, with people from Palestine to South Korea stepping up to show support. Equally inspiring, Black people around the world have led their own movements in their countries challenging systemic racism.

Second, there needs to be what King called a “global war on poverty” that invests heavily in the education and health of people living in poverty. We need to make sure that people receive a living wage and that the excesses of the richest are curbed so resources can be more equitably distributed. Importantly, he called for large sustained government initiatives like the New Deal and an updated Marshall Plan to build or rebuild the infrastructure in communities impacted by poverty and systemic racism. This could be done from Baltimore and rural West Virginia to Mogadishu — and here too we have seen global movements demanding more equitable distribution of resources and opportunity.

While many are rightly calling for healing, I think King would remind us that healing is forged in the fire of struggling together for justice.

Finally, when King said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere — or that we are tied together in a single garment of destiny — it was not a moralistic platitude encouraging us to be nice to each other. This was a statement about the fundamental nature of our world and what it will take to survive and thrive together.

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values,” King said. He saw a society that too easily justified the murder of people halfway around the world, not just in his time but for generations. The use of the U.S. military abroad was, to him, part of a legacy of European colonialism that was deeply rooted in racism and white supremacy, with the primary goals not to promote democracy but domination and economic exploitation.

This analysis led to a scathing critique of the Vietnam War, which was even criticized by many of his allies at the time. “Whether we realize it or not our participation in the war in Vietnam is an ominous expression of our lack of sympathy for the oppressed, our paranoid anti-communism, our failure to feel the ache and anguish of the have-nots,” he said. “It reveals our willingness to continue participating in neo-colonialist adventures.”

King knew that a history of racial and economic exploitation and violence influenced the everyday lives of Black people, having stood side by side with Black veterans as police and white hoodlums attacked them and other Black activists across the country. Reminding people of the brutal poverty of America’s ghettos, King on other occasions described these connections as “a system of internal colonialism not unlike the exploitation of the Congo by Belgium.” War, then, was just the spectacular projection of that violence to people abroad — and as we see with the militarization of police today, that violence inevitably returns home.

King’s recognition of profound interconnectivity demanded that human security be grounded in the quality of our relationships, the systems we have in place to support people when things get hard, and by creating international frameworks to guarantee equity and human dignity over profit.

We are as deeply polarized as we have ever been in the United States. The Trump presidency was the antithesis of King’s vision, as it sought to build power by stoking white racial anxiety and rage — as well as fear about economic inequality — by pitting people against each other. While many are rightly calling for healing, I think King would remind us that healing is forged in the fire of struggling together for justice. In other words, this can only occur when we engage in truth-telling about these underlying conditions and push for bold systemic changes.

Fortunately, radical interconnectivity also implies new possibilities for movements in terms of building power from the ground up globally — and for pushing for national and international policies that impact systemic change. We still have barely scratched the surface of that power and what is possible when people organize to fight together around the world. While there have been global economic boycotts and strikes for climate action and racial justice, COVID-19 showed us how profound the economic impact of a global shutdown can be even if sustained for just a few short weeks.

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The outpouring for Black Lives Matter is extraordinary, but that broad base will need to continue to expand, if we are to make the bold changes that King called for over 50 years ago, and are still desperately needed today.

What does this kind of work — to advance systemic rather than piecemeal change — look like in practice? In part, it entails finding and supporting those activists who are already building bridges in their work. We can see the power of this kind of cross-pollination in the rich history of Black women organizers, from Harriet Tubman to Ella Baker. It also exists with contemporary activists and peacebuilders such as the Black Lives Matter activists in Ferguson, Missouri, who connected with and formed alliances with other activists around the world, including Palestinians .

In King’s time, this bringing together of the racial justice movement with the antiwar and postcolonial movements — and broad calls for redistribution and workers’ rights — was shaking the foundations of U.S. society when he was assassinated. It is that solidarity that the World House demands of us today. Black Lives Matter and many other visionary social movements are already moving the world in that direction — and this is just the beginning.

Arthur Romano

Arthur Romano is an Assistant Professor at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason. He is also a certified Kingian nonviolence trainer and educational consultant specializing in the development of transformative and experiential education with communities affected by violence.

How do we nonviolently address the delusional beliefs and violent behavior of a movement of white supremacists like those that recently attacked the Capitol in DC. Well King taught us how because he was up against the same bunch 60 tears ago. Today we have to remember that healing and the “unity” the Republicans are now suddenly calling for ” is forged in the fire of struggling together for justice.”

Visionary piece. So important that the teachings of the past always relate to the transformation of our present society. Thank you Dr. Romano.

We are so blessed to have this piece written by Dr. Arthur Romano at our fingertips to inform us as individuals into action and be able to pass it on through social media. The timing couldn’t be better. Thank you so much, Dr. Romano, for bringing light to the pathway forward!

“Forged in the fire of struggling Together for justice” .. I love it! My grandfather use to say.. the past repeating itself is GODS opportunity to get it right.

Dr. Arthur Romano ~ thank you for this eloquent and moving article; it powerfully roots World House in these tumultuous times. Your piece will definitely be added to my sociology students’ semester reading. Grateful, always, for your wisdom and leadership.

I think we are missing the point of what happened at the Capitol. I will use Dr. KINGS words to enlighten this. A RIOT is THe LanGuaGe of tHE UnHEarD.

I will confess I do not know the context of that quote. However I am familiar with Dr. King’s life and beliefs. The violence we witnessed on January 6 quite understandably made us angry. But even that degree of hatred does not justify more violence [hatred] in return. We are challenged by the great man’s own words: “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Indeed, this is a timely article for our moment. I love your reminder that King would advise us to forge ahead by healing through the work for justice. . .healing does not just meaning joining hands and singing “Kumbaya” but truth-telling and reconciliation–like that which occurred as a result of Mandela and Bishop Tutu’s reconciliation commissions. It means forgiveness but also accountability too. I am hopeful that we have the right moment–and momentum–to move forward.

Felonius – What is it exactly are you wanting me/us to hear? There’s so much noise right now, I need it spelled out…briefly if you can, please?

Thank you, Dr. Romano, for your insights. I’d like to share this with my high school students. Specifically, I am interested in young people’s analysis around the ideas of interconnected resistance. The historical context shaping and theory is spot on — now I want to see how younger students might create a step by step playbook for what this looks like in action for their generation. Your commitment to King’s legacy is a gift to the world.

Totally informative and well presented article. What would Martin say..is also a book by Clarence Jones….I loved the ideas circling the role of the World House..and YES truly hard to unite …thank you for this…Justice must prevail.Nina Meyerhof

Colombia arrests social activists for Bogotá bombing despite lack of evidence

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"The World House: A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sermon" (January 16, 2000).

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Home > College of Arts and Sciences > History > HISTORY_THESES > 87

History Theses

Towards "the world house": dr. martin luther king, jr.'s gobal vision of peace and justice, 1956-1968.

Bryan Terry Follow

Date of Award

Degree type, degree name.

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Dr. Ian C. Fletcher

Second Advisor

Dr. Alex S. Cummings

In his last book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote about the “world house.” This thesis explores the development of King’s ideas about the relationship between the struggle for civil and human rights in the U.S. and global contests like decolonization in Africa and Asia and the war in Vietnam, which ultimately brought him to the notion of a world house and to forthright opposition to U.S. militarism and neocolonialism. This thesis looks at King’s changing understanding and shift of focus of the role of the U.S. government in the nation and the world as he articulated a final global vision of a “world house” of peace, human rights, and economic justice. King’s shifts raises important questions about the place of the U.S. in the world and its trajectory of global hegemony.

https://doi.org/10.57709/6462931

Recommended Citation

Terry, Bryan, "Towards "The World House": Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Gobal Vision of Peace and Justice, 1956-1968." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2014. doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/6462931

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• Reclaiming the Great World House: The Global Vision of Martin Luther King Jr.

In this Book

• Edited by Vicki L. Crawford and Lewis V. Baldwin
• Published by: University of Georgia Press
• Series: The Morehouse College King Collection Series on Civil and Human Rights Ser.

The burgeoning terrain of Martin Luther King Jr. studies is leading to a new appreciation of his thought and its meaningfulness for the emergence and shaping of the twenty-first-century world. This volume brings together an impressive array of scholars from various backgrounds and disciplines to explore the global significance of King—then, now, and in the future. Employing King’s metaphor of “the great world house,” the major focus is on King’s appraisal of the global-human struggle in the 1950s and 1960s, his relevance for today’s world, and how future generations might constructively apply or appropriate his key ideas and values in addressing racism, poverty and economic injustice, militarism, sexism, homophobia, the environmental crisis, globalization, and other challenges confronting humanity today. The contributors treat King in context and beyond context, taking seriously the historical King while also exploring how his name, activities, contributions, and legacy are still associated with a globalized rights culture .

Table of Contents

• Title Page, Copyright, Dedication
• pp. vii-viii
• Robert M. Franklin, James T. and Berta R. Laney
• Acknowledgments
• pp. xvii-xviii
• Reclaiming the Great World House
• Introduction
• Vicki L. Crawford
• PART I. Creative Living in the Great World House: the Vision of Martin Luther King Jr. in Context—where We Were Then
• Chapter 1. For the Beauty of the World: Vision and Moral Order in Martin Luther King Jr.’s World Hous
• Victor Anderson and Teresa Delgado
• Chapter 2. The Scourge of the Color Bar: Racism as a Barrier to Human Community
• Larry O. Rivers
• Chapter 3. For the Least of These: The Scandal of Poverty in the World House
• Gary S. Selby
• Chapter 4. Living by the Sword: The Haunting Spectacle of Violence and Human Destruction
• Rufus Burrow Jr.
• Chapter 5. Sexism in the World House: Women and the Global Vision of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Crystal A. deGregory and Lewis V. Baldwin
• pp. 107-130
• PART II. Surviving in the Contemporary World House: the Enduring Threats—where We Are Now
• Chapter 6. Plenty Good Room: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Vision of the World House and the Ethical Question of Global Leader ship
• Walter E. Fluker
• pp. 133-153
• Chapter 7. The Rising Significance of Class: The Haves and the Have-Nots in the World House
• Nimi Wariboko
• pp. 154-180
• Chapter 8. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Nonviolent Transformation of Global Conflict: Broadening Knowledge of Nonviolent Action in the Great World House
• Mary E. King
• pp. 181-218
• Chapter 9. Embracing Difference: Martin Luther King Jr.’s World Hous eVision as a Teaching Resource for Women and Queer Liberation
• Amy E. Steele, Vicki L. Crawford, and Lewis V. Baldwin
• pp. 219-253
• Chapter 10. All over the World Like a Fever: Martin Luther Kin gJr.’s World House and the Movement for Black Lives in the United States and United Kingdom
• Michael B. McCormack and Althea Legal-Miller
• pp. 254-282
• PART III. Envisioning, Pursuing, and Shaping the Future World House: Where Do We Go from Here?
• Chapter 11. The World as a “Single Neighborhood”: The Global Ethics of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Hak Joon Lee
• pp. 285-304
• Chapter 12. Toward a Higher Global Ideal: Martin Luther King Jr., the World House, and the Challenges of Tomorrow
• Lewis V. Baldwin
• pp. 305-332
• pp. 333-338
• Selected Bibliography
• pp. 339-356
• Contributors
• pp. 357-362
• pp. 363-369

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The World House, Essay Example

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In this essay, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. discusses his personal observations on what he refers to as a “World House” or a global community as opposed to separate nations and/or groups of people living in a nationalistic state. Dr. King is basically arguing that all human beings must learn to live together as a global community despite differences in race, nationality, creed, or religious beliefs and practices, and that if this cannot be achieved, then mankind is doomed to extinction through cultural conflict and war.

Dr. King also stresses the idea that racism, poverty, the never-ending struggle for material goods in a capitalistic society such as in the United States, and military conflict are the main threats to world peace and prosperity and to the continuation of the human race on planet Earth. Part of Dr. King’s argument relates how technology has made it much easier for mankind to destroy himself and the planet on which he lives. Overall, Dr. King is attempting to point out that if human beings do not change the way they live and fail to accept each other on equal ground, then mankind will eventually destroy itself, either through armed conflict or runaway technology.

This essay could be described as a narrative that attempts to persuade its audience into accepting the opinions and viewpoints of the author/speaker, in this case Dr. King. It is also a type of exposition supported by facts, figures, and relevant data. However, it is also a lecture given by Dr. King in 1964 for his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. Therefore, one could say that this essay is an acceptance speech that reflects Dr. King’s personal opinions and how he viewed the world in 1964 when the Cold War was at its height.

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Martin Luther King The World House - Essay Example

• Subject: English
• Type: Essay
• Level: Masters
• Pages: 2 (500 words)
• Downloads: 18
• Author: santinowalter

Extract of sample "Martin Luther King The World House"

Martin Luther King the World HouseMartin Luther King sees the world as a home that we have inherited “World House” where humanity has to share. To him, people from all races, black and white, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhism have to learn to live with one another in peace and cooperation. Enabled by technology, the world is full of neighbourhoods that make us see what is happening to neighbours and respond to such needs. Fighting for justice or one’s rights will have a secondary meaning if a human being has to sleep on the streets with no food.

In one way or the other, Martin argues that all life is interrelated and what affects the poor may ultimately affect the rich ( Nadell, Langan and Comodromos 596-599). This paper examines the “world house” to provide an analysis of the value and other fundamental assumptions.The article conceptualises people to live in two realms, the internal, and the external. The inside has spiritual ends characterised by morals and values while outside is characterised by technology. Materialism subjugates the inner man hindering growth of the soul.

Thoreau as quoted in School life website agrees with this in his report to summarise the present life, “improved means to an improved end” (School life web). It is true that modernisation block spiritual growth, which in return nurtures people with a selfish character that do not for their fellow human beings have to go through every day. The famous saying every man for himself and God for us all gains meaning. A 2007 study on racism shows that racism continues to pervade Americans society and that law by the state do not play their role in its prevention (ACLU web).

Therefore, the idea of encouraging countries to fight poverty and other problems in developing countries is pertinent.As Luther presents the problem of poverty that may inhibit people to live in the world house properly, he presents the extent to which poverty is sinking in neighbourhoods. Well, it may not be true that two thirds of the world goes to bed hungry every night, but at least a substantial number have no homes and go to bed hungry. The impression he makes by his quest to solve this poverty problem is that every person has the caring heart like him and will work towards ending poverty.

The resources available to the rich nations can help developing countries come up with the key to end poverty. However, are they willing to help?Martin appeals to the audience using his trustworthy character, emotions, and logical reasoning. He persuades the audience by appealing to their emotions. One of the grave problems Martin wants solved for people to live in the world house is lack. To describe the extent of poverty, Martin uses statistics of the people who go hungry to bed every day. Apparently, two thirds of the world goes to bed hungry every day.

Many sleep on the street pavements because they do not have a place to call home ( Nadell, Langan and Comodromos 596-599). Martin called them impoverished children of God whose health is at stake (Shiman web). In this writing, Martin uses logos to persuade by reasoning. Different parts of the world have the same appeal to achieve parity with their fellow brothers from different races, or ethnicity. To martin, their argument is valid because people cannot remain forever oppressed. Nevertheless, one thing is of utmost concern to him.

What does it benefit anyone to have freedom and justice and live in a world stricken by poverty and doomed to extinction by war? This is pure logic.From this piece of writing, we understand the nature of Martin as a person concerned of other people’s affairs. He is appealing us by his sympathetic personality that will not wait and watch a fellow brother sleep hungry or go through the pains of destructive war ( Nadell, Langan and Comodromos 596-599). In conclusion, “World House” implies a peaceful world where every citizen and others has the same rights, live in peace, and have a place to call home.

He argues that with the current technology, no individual citizen is supposed to want in anything decent, especially food, clothing, medical, and shelter.Works CitedShiman, David. “The World House” University of Minnesota, Web, 12 June 2012, American Civil Liberties Union “Race and ethnicity in America” Web, 12 June 2012 Nadell, Judith, John Langan and Eliza Comodromos. The Longman Reader. New York: Pearson Education, Limited, 2011. Print.School Life. “The World House” Web, 12 June 2012,

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The prize spotlights robust, insightful undergraduate writing about the ways policy can address contemporary world challenges. Read this year's winning essay.

Perry World House (PWH), the University of Pennsylvania’s hub for global policy research, is accepting submissions for the 2023 Undergraduate Essay Prize. This $1,000 prize recognizes outstanding student writing on how policy can be used to tackle global policy challenges.

We encourage students from all of Penn’s four undergraduate schools to apply. Students should submit original essays in response to the prompt provided below. The essay should not have been previously published or accepted for publication elsewhere.

2023 Undergraduate Essay Prize Winner

by Meheer Commuri

In his winning essay, Meheer Commuri discusses the shift in US foreign policy priorities from the Middle East to China. He explains consequences of this shift, and why the US should consider reengaging the Middle East. He argues that the region should remain a foreign policy priority for countries around the world for economic reasons, and to avoid giving China space to further engage with the region.

Meheer Commuri is a rising junior from New York studying International Relations in the School of Arts and Sciences. When not discussing foreign policy, he writes for  Punch Bowl , Penn’s satirical magazine. He is also a member of the Philomathean Society.

Read more >>

2022 Undergraduate Essay Prize Winners

by Julia Esposito

This essay looks at efforts to reduce global carbon emissions to mitigate climate change, which have proven relatively ineffective. Given that the impacts of climate change are already being felt, especially in developing countries, she suggests focusing on adaptive climate policies that can protect communities from severe weather events and rising sea levels.

Julia Esposito is a senior studying Physics and Astronomy with a Biological concentration. She is originally from Connecticut and currently works as a research assistant in a cosmology lab. She is the Word on the Street section editor for  34th Street Magazine , is a co-founder and board member for the Penn Astronomical Student Association, and is on the executive board for Penn's Social Deduction Club.

by Sachit Gali

This essay explores how to weaken China's control of the global supply of rare earth elements. These highly valuable elements are vital for manufacturing a range of products, from consumer goods to advanced military technologies, and there is an urgent need to diversify their production and improve global access.  Sachit Gali, a junior from Florida, studies Economics with a minor in Consumer Psychology. He is passionate about the intersection of economics with fields such as sustainable global development, international security studies, and human rights. Gali is the Business Manager of the Penn Masala a cappella group, a social impact consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, and a research assistant for the Penn Development Research Initiative.

by Noah Sylvia

This essay looks at how militaries deploy asymmetric weaponry - weapons that are smaller than, but still effective against, adversaries' weaponry. It sets out how the Ukrainian army has made use of portable Javelin missiles to target Russian tanks, and why this could be relevant to future invasions of smaller states by larger neighbors. Noah Sylvia, a rising senior, studies International Relations and Russian and Eastern European Studies and is a Perry World House Student Fellow. He is interested in power dynamics in post-Soviet states and how violent non-state entities develop and operate over time. Noah researches Military Technology and Civilian Victimization, and is the head managing editor for the Sigma Iota Rho  Journal of International Relations.

2021 Undergraduate Essay Prize Winners

by Abby Baggini

This paper aims to make clear the discrepancy between the international internet law preferred and endorsed by authoritarian regimes and liberal democracies. Ultimately, this paper argues that fundamentally, authoritarian and democratic governments have distinct preferences for the content and design of emerging internet law, resulting in competing visions for an international cyber legal regime. 

by Chonnipha (Jing Jing) Piriyalertsak

China’s dam construction and hydropower activity in the Mekong River has exacerbated drought in downstream regions, threatening the livelihoods of 60 million people across five Southeast Asian countries. The conflict shows how Southeast Asian countries have been bound to China’s economic investments, resulting in greater leeway for China to develop the Mekong as it wishes— if the U.S. wishes to counteract Chinese influence, it must support its Southeast Asian allies in negotiating for more agency over water governance.

by Gabriella F. Rabito

30.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers, in compliance with international refugee law, are exercising their right to seek asylum in a country other than their country of origin. This paper investigates the treatment of refugees in detention centers in countries hosting the most refugees in their respective regions: Turkey (Middle East), Colombia (Latin America), Uganda (Africa), Germany (Europe), Bangladesh (Asia), and the United States (North America). Through this analysis, it is evident that many detention centers worldwide deprive refugees of liberty and safety.

by Emrys Stromberg

The Huichol are the oldest surviving culture in Mexico who continue to practice their traditions much as they have for centuries. Each year they conduct a pilgrimage of over 400km from their communities in the western sierras eastward to the semi-desertic high plateaus of the Sierra de Catorce which they call Wirikuta. This paper is about the current conflict between the Huichol and the Canadian mining company First Majestic Silver over the landscape of the Wirikuta/Catorce region.

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Essay on My House for Students and Children

500+ words essay on my house.

Essay on My House:  The world consists of all types of people. Some are fortunate enough to have amenities while some aren’t. Especially in a country like India, where the majority of the population lives below the poverty line . To own a house here is no less than a luxury, one which I thankfully have. I am blessed to be protected by four walls and a roof.

It is my parent’s hard work that has given us this blessing. Many people in today’s world are always complaining about the things they don’t have. The person who has a house wants a bungalow. The one who owns a bungalow wants a palace. The one living in a palace wants an island. This never-ending cycle goes on. However, if we look at the people below us rather than those who are above us, we will be happier.

An Underrated Blessing

Having a house is an underrated blessing. If you have not realized it yet, you can go and ask any person who doesn’t have a house. Only then will you realize what a great blessing it is to have a house. Houses do not necessarily have to be luxuriously filled with the latest amenities. A house is complete if you have a roof over your head.

Moreover, if you have your loved ones around, then there can be no greater blessing. You must realize the importance of your house before it gets too late. Even I never knew how precious my house was up until one incident that changed my outlook.

We had house help growing up. The maid who used to work for us always came early in the morning and would leave in the evening. Even when my mother asked her to leave early as she completed the work on time, she never did that. On the other hand, she used to do extra work. Later we found out that she never really had a house. It was just a hut which had one chair and one folding. And that she liked spending time most of the time at our house because she had access to all basic facilities like electricity and clean water.

This incident made me realize how I took my house for granted. It is truly an underrated blessing which is overlooked by others. We must value our homes before it gets too late.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

I live in my ancestral home with my grandparents, parents, and siblings. My grandfather built this house with his hard work. It has four rooms, one kitchen, two bathrooms, and a patio. My house is at least fifty years old.

I admire the beauty of my house. The vintage vibes make it even more beautiful. My grandparents have a small garden in the patio which adds greenery to my house. Moreover, it also has two trees. One is a pomegranate tree and the other is a Henna tree. They provide us with shade and sweet fruits.

My house has very high ceilings as it was made many years back. It has vintage switchboards which give it a very unique look. My house is situated in the middle of four roads. It is not joined to any other house. My house has four entrances from each side.

Whenever my friends come over to my house, they click a lot of pictures. Even my relatives love the interior of the house which is a mix of modern and vintage architecture. My house is colored in brown and beige color and it stands out in our locality.

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The Dark Underbelly of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair: H.H. Holmes and his House of Horrors

This essay about the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair explores the dual narrative of human achievement and sinister activity, exemplified by H.H. Holmes, America’s first documented serial killer. While the fair displayed advancements like the Ferris wheel and introduced the public to new technologies, Holmes exploited the event’s chaos to operate his “Murder Castle” nearby. The essay delves into Holmes’ gruesome practices, including his construction of a hotel with secret passages and disposal rooms used to kill his victims, largely unnoticed amid the fair’s distractions. It reflects on the implications of such duality, highlighting the era’s contrasts between progress and moral lapses. The exposition, therefore, serves as a historical microcosm showing both the heights of innovation and the depths of human depravity.

How it works

The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, officially known as the World’s Columbian Exposition, was a landmark event in American history, celebrated for its architectural innovations and the introduction of the Ferris wheel. While it showcased the height of human ingenuity and the promise of a new century, it also had a sinister side. At the same time as the fair was drawing millions of visitors, a serial killer named H.H. Holmes was operating his “Murder Castle” just a few miles away, exploiting the bustling city to lure his victims.

H.H. Holmes, born Herman Webster Mudgett, moved to Chicago in 1886 and soon started constructing a building that he would later use as a hotel for the World’s Fair. This building, which came to be known as the “Murder Castle,” was a labyrinth of secret passages, trap doors, soundproof rooms, and a basement equipped with devices for disposing of bodies. Holmes’ modus operandi involved seducing, imprisoning, and ultimately killing his victims, many of whom were young single women drawn by the fair’s attractions.

The exact number of Holmes’ victims remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from a dozen to over two hundred. His gruesome acts went unnoticed during the fair’s duration due to the sheer number of people arriving and disappearing in the city. It was only after the fair concluded that investigations into Holmes’ activities began in earnest, leading to his arrest in 1894. The subsequent trial revealed his cold-blooded methods and shocked the nation.

Holmes exploited the World’s Fair not just by attracting victims but also by using the chaos and transient populations of the event as cover. His ability to hide in plain sight speaks to the darker aspects of urbanization and modernity that the fair otherwise celebrated. While the exposition heralded a new era of technological advances and cultural progress, Holmes’ actions highlighted the vulnerabilities and dangers of this rapidly changing world.

This juxtaposition of human achievement with human depravity provides a striking look into the Gilded Age. The fair represented the best of what the future could hold, with its soaring buildings and displays of newfound technology such as electric lighting and moving walkways. In contrast, Holmes’ activities unveiled the potential for anonymity and evil within the urban sprawl. This duality mirrors the broader societal contrasts of the time, where technological progress and high culture existed alongside abject poverty and crime.

In conclusion, while the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair is often remembered for its contributions to cultural and technological advancements, the concurrent activities of H.H. Holmes remind us that this era was also marked by great complexities and contradictions. The fair’s legacy, therefore, is twofold: it was both a beacon of human potential and a cautionary tale of the perils that lurk when innovation outpaces moral considerations. The story of Holmes at the World’s Fair offers a profound lesson on the shadows that can accompany human progress.

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Dark Underbelly of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: H.H. Holmes and His House of Horrors . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-dark-underbelly-of-the-1893-chicago-worlds-fair-h-h-holmes-and-his-house-of-horrors/ [Accessed: 23 May. 2024]

"The Dark Underbelly of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: H.H. Holmes and His House of Horrors." PapersOwl.com, May 21, 2024. Accessed May 23, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-dark-underbelly-of-the-1893-chicago-worlds-fair-h-h-holmes-and-his-house-of-horrors/

"The Dark Underbelly of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: H.H. Holmes and His House of Horrors," PapersOwl.com , 21-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-dark-underbelly-of-the-1893-chicago-worlds-fair-h-h-holmes-and-his-house-of-horrors/. [Accessed: 23-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Dark Underbelly of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: H.H. Holmes and His House of Horrors . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-dark-underbelly-of-the-1893-chicago-worlds-fair-h-h-holmes-and-his-house-of-horrors/ [Accessed: 23-May-2024]

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Essay on My House in English: Check 300, 500 & 800 Words Essay

Home is where the heart is, and within the sanctuary of our homes lies a special place that holds memories, shelter, and comfort – my house. From the architectural style to the interior design, every aspect of the house speaks volumes about who we are and what we value. But beyond its physical attributes, the house holds a deeper significance in our lives. It’s where we create cherished memories, celebrate milestones, and forge bonds with loved ones. A house is more than just a place to live; it’s a symbol of stability, love, and the countless moments that make life worth living.

In this article, we’ll explore writing an essay on my house, exploring its significance, structure, and the role it plays in shaping our lives.

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Important Terms for House

10 lines on my house, 500 word essay on my house, 800 word essay on my house.

Here are some terms that can help you write an essay on my house:

• House: A building or structure where people live, providing shelter and accommodation.
• Home: Not just a physical structure, but also a place of belonging, comfort, and emotional attachment.
• Architecture: The art and science of designing and constructing buildings.
• Interior Design: The arrangement and decoration of the interior spaces of a house to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Floor Plan: A diagram showing the layout of rooms and spaces within a house, including dimensions and furniture placement.

Here are 10 lines that can help you write an essay on My House:

1. My house is a cozy place where I feel safe and happy.

2. It has a welcoming door and colorful flowers in the garden.

3. Inside, there’s a living room where my family plays games and watches TV together.

4. The kitchen smells delicious with Mom’s cooking, and I love helping her sometimes.

5. Upstairs, my bedroom is my favorite spot, filled with my toys and books.

6. From my window, I can see the trees and birds chirping in the morning.

7. Outside, there’s a swing where I love to play with my friends.

8. Sometimes, we have a barbecue in the backyard, and it’s so much fun!

9. My house is where I make lots of happy memories with my family.

10. I’m grateful for my house because it’s where I feel loved and cozy every day.

My small house may be tiny in size, but it is bursting with charm and coziness that make it a special place for me. Situated in a quiet corner of the neighborhood, my cute little house stands out with its colorful exterior and welcoming front porch that beckons visitors with its friendly vibe.

As I step through the front door, I am greeted by a snug living room that feels like a warm hug. The space may be small, but it is filled with love and laughter, making it the heart of our home. A comfy sofa sits against the wall, inviting me to sink into its soft cushions and relax after a long day at school. The kitchen, though compact, is a bustling hub of activity where delicious meals are cooked with care and shared with family. Every inch of space is cleverly utilized, from the neatly organized cabinets to the cozy dining nook where we gather for meals and conversations. The aroma of freshly baked cookies or simmering soup fills the air, creating a sense of comfort and warmth. Upstairs, my bedroom is a cozy retreat that reflects my personality and interests. The limited space has been transformed into a magical haven where I can dream, play, and unwind. A colorful bedspread adorns my bed, while shelves filled with books and toys add a touch of whimsy to the room.

One of the most delightful features of my small house is its backyard, a tiny oasis of greenery and tranquility where nature’s wonders unfold. A small garden patch blooms with vibrant flowers and fragrant herbs, attracting butterflies and bees that flit about in the sunshine. A swing set beneath a shady tree offers hours of fun and laughter as I soar through the air with glee. Despite its size, my small house is filled with big memories and moments that make it truly special. From family movie nights in the living room to impromptu picnics in the backyard, every corner of my house is alive with joy, love, and togetherness.

In conclusion, my small house may be petite in size, but it is grand in charm, coziness, and character that make it a cherished haven for me. Its compact layout encourages creativity and imagination in design, while its warm ambiance fosters a sense of comfort and belonging. My cute little house may be small on the outside, but it is mighty in love, laughter, and happiness – qualities that truly make it feel like home.

My house in Delhi is not a grand mansion, but a cozy middle-class home that holds a special place in my heart. Situated in a bustling neighborhood, it stands tall with four floors that offer ample space for my family and me to live, play, and create memories together. Despite its modest size, our house is filled with love, laughter, and warmth that make it a cherished haven for us.

As I walk through the front door of our house, I am greeted by a cozy living room on the ground floor that serves as the heart of our home. The walls are adorned with family photos and colorful artwork, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. A comfortable sofa and a small coffee table sit in the center of the room, inviting us to relax and unwind after a long day at school or work.

The kitchen, located on the first floor, is a bustling hub of activity where delicious meals are prepared with love and care. The aroma of spices and cooking fills the air as we gather around the dining table to share stories and laughter. Despite its compact size, the kitchen is well-equipped with all the essentials needed to whip up our favorite dishes and treats.

Each floor of our house has its own unique charm and purpose. The second floor houses our bedrooms – cozy retreats where we rest and recharge after a busy day. My room is filled with my favorite toys, books, and posters that reflect my interests and personality. From my bed by the window, I can watch the world go by and daydream about adventures yet to come.

The third floor is a versatile space that serves as a family room where we come together to watch movies, play games, or simply spend quality time with each other. The walls are lined with shelves filled with board games, books, and family photos that tell the story of our lives. It is a space where memories are made and bonds are strengthened through shared experiences and laughter.

The fourth floor leads to our rooftop terrace – a hidden gem that offers panoramic views of the city skyline. From here, we can watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, listen to the sounds of the city below, or simply bask in the warmth of the sun on lazy afternoons. It is a peaceful retreat where we can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy moments of tranquility together.

In conclusion, my house in Delhi may not be extravagant or luxurious, but it is filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that make it truly special. Its four floors offer ample space for us to live, play, and grow together as a family. From cozy bedrooms to bustling kitchens, from family rooms to rooftop terraces, every corner of our house holds memories and experiences that shape who we are and bring us closer together. Our middle-class home may not be grand in size or stature, but it is rich in love, warmth, and happiness – qualities that truly make it feel like home for me and my family.

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My House Essay- FAQs

What is a house.

A house is a structure designed for human habitation, providing shelter, comfort, and privacy. It typically consists of rooms for living, sleeping, cooking, and other activities.

What are the different types of houses?

There are various types of houses, including single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, and mobile homes. Each type has its own layout, size, and ownership structure.

What factors influence the design of a house?

The design of a house is influenced by factors such as location, climate, cultural preferences, budget, and the needs of the occupants. These factors determine aspects like architectural style, materials used, and layout.

How does a house contribute to our well-being?

A well-designed house can contribute to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for rest, relaxation, and social interaction, promoting overall quality of life.

What are some common household maintenance tasks?

Common household maintenance tasks include cleaning, repairs, landscaping, and regular inspections of systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These tasks help ensure the safety, functionality, and longevity of the house.

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