Benazir Bhutto was a woman who continued fighting for democracy in Pakistan even through many complications and attacks intended to kill her. Nelson Mandela was fighting to survive in the harsh living conditions of prison while simply wishing upon freedom for all. Martin Luther King Jr. became famous after being a key leader in the civil rights movement.The road to freedom is a very long, complicated one as shown through the stories of both Bhutto, Mandela and MLK. It took much bravery from each of these individuals to fight for democracy and rights.

 

As the very first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan, Bhutto worked hard to defend her name while continuing to show courage. Bhutto strongly believed that Islam and democracy were compatible. However, the West and groups of extremists showed much opposition. Bhutto held strong to her opinion, saying that “Not only is islam compatible with democracy, but the message of the Quran empowers the people’s rights…” (Bhutto 185). The brave leader stressed the importance of freedom to travel, freedom to work, opportunity for education of both sexes and other elements of a democracy. Western policies and actions never allowed the growth of democratic ideas in the Muslim world, greatly affecting Islams ability to hold democratic values. However, Bhutto still fought for democracy. One of Benazir’s main ideas is that we must be patient with new democracy and give it much time to develop. She points out that once a growing democracy is threatened, the effects can be very long lasting. Benazir Bhutto never stopped fighting for the freedom that comes with democracy, even through the harsh attacks and opposition.

 

Nelson Mandela, a political leader, was imprisoned after trying to overthrow the South African government. Mandela was a strong individual, and he had even protested for long trousers in prison. He then refused the trousers after they were not offered to every prisoner, confirming his viewpoint on fairness and equality. Mandela states how after his years imprisoned his mission was to ”liberate the oppressed and the oppressor both (Mandela 81)”. Mandela fought for democracy and wanted freedom for all people. He explained how someone who is taking away another person’s freedom is not truly free. I strongly agree with Mandela’s point that in order to be free, we have to live in a way that respects other people’s freedom. In today’s society, we still see disrespect towards certain races and religions. I believe that when we fully respect one another’s race, religion and beliefs we will feel truly free.

Martin Luther King Jr. was no doubt a major activist in the civil rights movement. He, too, was imprisoned after protesting the treatment of African-American people in Birmingham, Alabama. In his letter from Birmingham Jail, King defends the concept of nonviolent protests. He states how although he works against protesting violently, “there is a type of constructive nonviolent tension that is necessary for growth” (King). He focuses his letter around the point that no progress would be made without nonviolent pressure. King explains his disappointment with the white moderate and the white church, critiquing their focus on order rather than justice. MLK’s letter from Birmingham Jail shows how writing can be a type of activism itself. Although restricted in prison, King still managed to fight for civil rights through writing. MLK’s famous letter defended the people as they fought for rights and were ready to put an end to segregation. King’s non-violent protests along with the power of writing contributed greatly to the progress of the civil rights movement and led us to where we are today.

 

Fighting for democracy, freedom and civil rights can bring violence and other unfortunate events as seen through Bhutto, Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr’s experiences. Opposition will always come along after standing up for something you believe in. However, these three political leaders showed courage and strength while trying to make a change in their political environment. Change will only happen when people speak their minds and actively fight for what’s right.