On January 20, millions of people around the world celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, others used this day of reflection and reverence as an opportunity to promote events and parties. Although this is not a new practice, individuals have now taken a new approach to gaining attention in an attempt to increase turnout. This year, Dr. King has been photoshopped into party fliers at an alarming rate, sparking a great deal of controversy on social media.
Many took to Twitter to voice their concerns over what they believe is lack of respect for the legendary civil rights leader.
Others believe that the photoshopping is worth a laugh.
And then there are the rare few that simply look on the bright side.
Needless to say, these photoshopped images effortlessly came across as being both unnatural and inappropriate. People went so far as to photoshop Dr. King using his hand as a gun, insinuating the very thing he stood against—violence.
Actions like these bring into question how easy it is for individuals to taint and diminish someone’s legacy for their own personal gain. It also raises this relevant question: As time marches on and the years of Jim Crow grow further away, how will respect for the civil rights movement continue to be instilled into younger generations?
Unfortunately, these fliers drew attention away from the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fulfilling life and achievements. However, nothing will ever be able to make us forget the sacrifices he made so that “one day, little black boys and girls [could hold] hands with little white boys and girls as sisters and brothers.” We are his wildest dreams, so let’s make him proud.