2017 – 8th Grade National 3rd Place Winner

Allison Chang, Florida.

Is the Pen Mightier Than the Sword?

Throughout time, many people have used different methods to solve problems or to be heard. Both brutal force and passionate words have changed this world. However, words and ideas are more effective than fear and threats. From peaceful protests to powerful words, our world has been changed without force.

In the past, many people have impacted the world through their words and peaceful protests. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, and much more have impacted the world through their writings and speeches. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, “I Have a Dream” is remembered for its effect on segregation in the United States. In his speech, King expresses his wishes for the nation in the future. Martin Luther King Jr. may have wanted his voice to be heard, but he wanted it to be done without violence. In, “I Have a Dream,” King says, “We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.” King himself, tells people supporting him not to get violent and to stay peaceful while getting their ideas out. In the end, King and his supporters were able to grab peoples’ attention on the unfair treatment of black Americans and laws were created to stop segregation.

Malala is another person who wrote and spoke about her ideas and made a change. In her book, I Am Malala, she writes about her life before, during, and after she was shot by the Taliban for getting an education. Similar to Frederick Douglass, who wrote about his life as a slave, Malala wrote about her experiences and grabbed the attention of many people. Because of her writings, people stood with her to fight for the right for females to get an education Malala and her supporters didn’t use force or violence, they used their voices.

Both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala prove that you can make a change in this world without brutality. They show that it is possible to impact the world through just words and peaceful protests. Writers and activists, from Rosa Parks and Frederick Douglass, show that you don’t need power to change the world; you only need your voice. People that have used speeches and non-violent protests to impact our world prove that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

 

 

Kids Philosophy Slam Home Page