The Role of Literature as a Branch of Humanities in Promoting Human Rights Values towards a Comprehensive Social Development with Reference to Martin Luther King’s Speech: “I Have A Dream.”

اسم الباحث     :    Dr. Mujahid Ahmed Mohammed Al-Waga’a
سنة النشر     :    2017
ملخص البحث     :   

The Role of Literature as a Branch of Humanities in Promoting Human Rights Values towards a Comprehensive Social Development  with Reference to Martin Luther King’s Speech: “I Have A Dream.”

Dr. Mujahid Ahmed Mohammed Al-Waga’a

Abstract

This paper examines the role of literature, particularly engaged literature, as a branch of humanities in promoting human rights values towards a comprehensive social development with reference to Martin Luther King’s speech: “I Have a Dream.” Central to this paper is an effort to find out the tremendous power of literature in positively changing and shaping individuals and societies by means of creating public awareness regarding rights and duties. Engaged literature that tackles burning issues such as human rights violations and abuses is the axis on which this paper revolves. By conferring civil rights on people human development becomes inevitable. Human development is a crucial and essential part of a comprehensive social, economic and political development. Findings from the discussion and analysis of Martin Luther King’s speech “I Have a Dream” reveal that literature do have a pivotal role to play in human rights promotion and social development. This role is important because literature does not exist for its own sake or in a vacuum. It is, rather, a true reflection and mirror of the mores and milieu of society. Moreover; it is a powerful expression of the sufferings, agonies and above all aspirations of the masses.  The ability of human beings to articulate themselves in the form of literature is the most substantial power they possess in shaping life.