Content area
Full Text
Abstract
Compromise is the warp and woof of the political enterprise, regardless of whether a person or group is operating from a position of strength or weakness. The role of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) during the summer of 1964 exemplifies the centrality of compromise in the negotiation for civil and human rights. In this paper, the stance that Martin Luther King, Jr., took at the Democratic National Convention regarding the seating of the MFDP is explored as an instance of discerning the need for compromise despite the legitimacy of the claims made by the members of the new party as well as of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. King's strong words to the Credentials Committee at the Convention and his forward view of a voting rights bill in the U.S. Congress-coupled with his absorption of the harsh criticisms of those focused on replacing the white delegates-demonstrate both the art and the ignominy of compromise.
Introduction
Maintaining one's integrity in the midst of compromise is the challenge of the political enterprise. Many people are tested when they hold adamantly to a position and discover they cannot obtain all they want. Some would even sacrifice getting a modicum of their goal by opting for nothing as a way of saving face, showing devotion to their cause, or having the courage of their convictions-proving their commitment to their comrades. Such obduracy is understandable; however, whether the choice to refuse to compromise when little else is in the offing is constructive and effectuates the greater attainment of justice can be analyzed with regards to the decision made by leaders of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) at the Democratic National Convention in 1964.
In addition, the role of movers and shakers in the Democratic Party and the involvement of Martin Luther King, Jr., an icon of the Civil Rights Movement, figure significantly in demonstrating the complexities of the political process. Furthermore, the developing contumely and contumacy of the young adults and youth among the members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and other burgeoning organizations helped to foster a bifurcation of reality (i.e., right vs. wrong; good vs. evil) while commanding respect for their assertiveness, stick-to-itiveness, and blatant obstinacy. These nuances or gradations in approaches...