In 1960's, the United States was enduring a time of civil turmoil. Conflict was prevalent within the borders as well as overseas. The United States was drawn into the Vietnam War, battling in the heart of the Cold War against the Soviet Union, present day Russia, and many citizens marched through the streets supporting the Civil Rights Movement. Turning attention to the internal issue, the Civil Rights Movement, thousands of blacks and white stormed the streets to fight for equality, to the point where issues of racial segregation and discrimination were finally brought to the light of day.  Activists approached the situation in many, different methods, one in particular: nonviolence. Notably the most famous, nonviolent activist advocator, Martin Luther King Jr., led the march through the streets across southeastern America calling for peace. In 1964, Dr. King, won the 1964 Noble Peace Prize, where he gave the remarkable, "World House" speech. Through "World House", Dr. King addresses current (1960s) human rights issues, the consequences for this way of living, and a solution for the future. 

Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary for his time. He tackled moral and ethical issues hoping for a better, upcoming generation. He took a nonviolent and reserved approach versus some of his colleagues whom were more radical and violent. He resolved issues through pragmatic negations and nonviolent protests. More importantly, he expressed the issues through rhetoric and the art of persuasion. In "World House,", Dr. King states, "All inhabitants of the globe are now neighbors" (287). Dr. King metaphorically compares the Earth to a house, whether one person lives in the United States and the other in China, the two are banded together and are global neighbors. Families are made up of many different backgrounds, cultures intertwine, ethnicities are mixed together. Dr. King states, "The large house in which we live demands that we transform this world-wide neighborhood into a world-wide brotherhood. Together we must learn to live as brother or together we will be forced to perish as fools.... (293)", the diversity should build a stronger brotherhood, not tear the world apart. As brothers, brother must learn to accept one another or the house will collapse. However the diversity of people and cultures share the same space and use the same utilities. "World House" also addresses war and conflicts, "Recent events have vividly reminded us that nations are not reducing but rather increasing their arsenals of weapons of mass destruction. The best brains in the highly developed nations of the world are devoted to military technology" (298). Countries are trying to beat one another out by investing in the latest technology and advanced weapons, but that is not the answer. All wars eventually end, whether it is through defeat or treaty and all household conflicts end, nevertheless, all wars and conflicts are resolved. For example, halfway through "White House" King states, "Racism is no mere American phenomenon. Its vicious grasp knows no geographical boundaries. In fact, racism and its perennial ally -- economic exploitation -- provide the key to understanding most of the international complications of this generation" (291). The issue of racism, it is prominent, but can be fixed. The first step is acknowledgement, acknowledge the difference in skin tone, then accept, accept the difference, and lastly love the difference in one another. Dr. King dreamt of the day everyone lived together in peace and harmony. Through "World House", Dr. King envisioned a world of optimist people living together in practical harmony. Dr. King wanted, saw a house not fighting one another, instead loving one another.

"World House" was given in 1964, one year after his eminent, "I Have a Dream" speech. "I Have a Dream" focused on racial discrimination in the United States, Dr. King wanted a day where black and whites could ride the same bus to work and school, a day where black and white children could play on the playground together, a day where blacks and whites could eat a the same diner together, lastly a day where blacks and whites could accept one another. In "World House", Dr. King goes beyond the issue of race, "This call for a world-wide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one's tribe, race, class and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all men" (298). Today, people are coming labeled by their social class, religion, but more importantly by the color of their skin, more importantly, black or white. The divide between the hatred of blacks must end. People of the world must begin to accept everyone because they are people too. To live in a communal world, people must look past the physical aspects, but into the mental and emotional. "World House" interrogates many of the prominent issues of the 1960s time period and ones to come, however ethical issues must be resolved. Dr. King repeatedly provides conflicts and solutions, and in the end of the day, as members of the 'World House', the rich must help the poor, the intelligent must educate the ignorant, the capable must assist the incapable, Dr. King states, "The first step in the world-wide war against poverty is passionate commitment...." (289), Dr. King emphasizes on the importance of helping one another. To end the world war of poverty, is to help one another. "World House" tells us to give the poverty money, accept another person's religion, and love a person with a different skin color. Dr. King in "World House" addresses must more than racial discrimination and into moral and ethical conflicts. 

Now, over five decades since "World House" was delivered, there has been a lot of progress. The house everyone lives together is less chaotic, but still is. Then was the issue of race, now it is the issue of sexuality. People who identify themselves as Gay, Lesbian, Transgender are terrorized for their sexuality and sexual preference. At the time "World House" was given, sexually was not a major issue as it is today, however it still apply to this issue. Even fifty two year after "World House" was given, it is still relevant. Dr. King brought moral issues to the front seat. Today, there are still moral and ethical issues. As Dr. King once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that", acceptance is the first step.

