Impact in Australia
Martin Luther King Jr. also had quite a large impact on Aborigine rights in Australia. Many videos of his speeches were broadcasted around the world, inspiring civil rights activities globally. He had an especially large impact on Charles Perkins, leader of the Freedom Riders, who would often be compared to King himself. Through his speeches, actions, and ideology, King managed to impact not only America, but also the rest of the world.
King’s speeches would prove to be a source of inspiration not only within America, but also to the rest of the world. Many Australians were quite supportive of his actions, and encouraged further efforts. They also believed that racism was a bad thing, and that it should be abolished. However, most Australians were slow to realize the issue of racism within their own country.
Perkins noticed that most Aborigine people in Australia faced poorer living conditions due to racism. Inspired by King’s emphasis upon non-violent protestation methods and his ability to highlight the issue of racism to such a point that it was impossible to ignore, Perkins instigated a Freedom Ride within Australia. This Freedom Ride would take Perkins and about 28 other supporters around the rural area of New South Wales, where they would attempt to raise the issue of racism to those living there.
Perkins would incorporate a number of King’s principles into his protests, namely that of non-violent action. When Perkins attempted to open the local swimming pool and baths at Moree to Aboriginal people, the local people responded with violence, throwing rotten eggs and tomatoes at them. However, they did not retaliate, and instead continued their peaceful protest, despite the fact that Perkins feared for his life at this point in time.
Perkins also managed to make racism a national issue within Australia, much like how King made racism a national issue in America. He accomplished this by arranging television and newspaper coverage of the Freedom Ride. Through images of racial injustice, Perkins struck a chord with the rest of Australia, and caused many to realize that racism was also an issue in this country.
King’s speeches would prove to be a source of inspiration not only within America, but also to the rest of the world. Many Australians were quite supportive of his actions, and encouraged further efforts. They also believed that racism was a bad thing, and that it should be abolished. However, most Australians were slow to realize the issue of racism within their own country.
Perkins noticed that most Aborigine people in Australia faced poorer living conditions due to racism. Inspired by King’s emphasis upon non-violent protestation methods and his ability to highlight the issue of racism to such a point that it was impossible to ignore, Perkins instigated a Freedom Ride within Australia. This Freedom Ride would take Perkins and about 28 other supporters around the rural area of New South Wales, where they would attempt to raise the issue of racism to those living there.
Perkins would incorporate a number of King’s principles into his protests, namely that of non-violent action. When Perkins attempted to open the local swimming pool and baths at Moree to Aboriginal people, the local people responded with violence, throwing rotten eggs and tomatoes at them. However, they did not retaliate, and instead continued their peaceful protest, despite the fact that Perkins feared for his life at this point in time.
Perkins also managed to make racism a national issue within Australia, much like how King made racism a national issue in America. He accomplished this by arranging television and newspaper coverage of the Freedom Ride. Through images of racial injustice, Perkins struck a chord with the rest of Australia, and caused many to realize that racism was also an issue in this country.