UN/CHOSEN SUFFERING
As Dr. Martin Luther King sits in the jail cell he formulates a letter that is quote lengthy. However, there are many great points in this letter that we can learn from today. King speaks on action and the power that action has within ourselves. Similar to our Dairy of Systemic Injustice assignment where we are to give evidence of impact rather than just intent. “He went on to explain that the purpose of direct action was to create a crisis situation out of which negotiation could emerge,” King. In this letter he talks about the uncomfortable jail cell. This is clearly unchosen suffering. Often times in life we are in a position that we didn’t choose to be. However, King speaks on the importance of our response to these situations, specifically though our actions. How do we respond when life throws us for a loop or when we are in a valley.
Then there is chosen suffering. This is suffering that we put on ourselves for the purpose of gain. What I mean is the suffering pushes us to be greater. An athlete goes through a physical workout that is painful but on the other side when they finish they are in better shape. This is chosen suffering. Often times in life, greatness is on the other side of suffering and pain. I think King was a great living example of this. He committed his life to the movement that he believed in. He gave personal loss, time, money, heartbreak and ultimately his life to better the world for others and the future that world come after him. This leads to the question: What are we all doing in our own lives that is uncomfortable for us personally but ultimately brings about more good in the world? What suffering are we choosing so that we can make in impact and not just have good motives?
From my perspective, school is something that is a struggle for me but I know in the end it will be worth it. I plan to become a Physician’s Assistant and have the desire to help save the lives of others. Although school and classes may become hard, and it does take a mental toll on most everyone especially in these times. I know my hard work will pay off in the end when I’m able to help someone recover from illness or accidents. Although this is not “suffering” it is something that effects most students physical and mental health which can lead to “suffering” in many types of ways. We all are going through this in some way but, knowing that once you finally get to your end goal and can do something good for your community is a great feeling.
The analogy of chosen suffering to a physical workout is a great comparison. The greater the suffering one endures, the bigger the payoff of the end result. Physical tasks are often followed by a more immediate gratification, whereas intellectual and emotional suffering takes a long time to pay off. In King’s case, he was assassinated before he was able to see the immense policy and social changes that his activism and suffering inspired.
In my own life, I keep myself physically active and weight train as a way to remind myself that suffering is not only inevitable, but a crucial part of growing and becoming an outstanding individual.
Enduring physical suffering has driven me to become more determined in my journey to become a physician. I am sometimes discouraged by the amount of studying and extracurricular activities I am involved in, all while trying to maintain a balanced college life. I remind myself constantly that the suffering I am experiencing now will only prepare me to be a better doctor, and help me to achieve my goals of owning my own practice and advising people regarding nutrition and how influential it is in healing the body.
I think the analogy you made is great! I wrote this week’s context presentation as well however I would have never thought of it that way. In my life, I continue to be selfish at home whereas I feel like my mom works hard at a job (she doesn’t like it) just so I can go to school. She spends all her time and energy and continues to make us happy even if she isn’t always. I feel like enduring the suffering causes us to step out of our comfort zone and accomplish something that ends with greatness. I am curious to know, in your opinion, do you think he was interested in any of the fame that came out of it? or if he gained anything out it? Can something truly be selfless?
I think it is interesting that you aligned how MLK’s life work and his chosen suffering and athletes. Although it’s a comparison that seems to fit but I don’t think it completely aligns with the impact of MLK’s ‘suffering’. An athlete’s chosen suffering is not in response to an unjust system. Although both parties experience pain and growth from their actions I don’t believe they contextually align as well.
I’m not sure that I’m doing anything that can be compared to chosen suffering to better the world. I am part of a couple of grass roots programs locally to be serve minority communities and I donate money to many organizations. This actions to take up time and money but it’s something I’m happy to be doing in order to better my community.
I think you did a good job explaining the difference between forced to suffer and suffer for the greater good. MLK definitely went through both to help other people. It is not always easy to choose the road less traveled, but I think it really shows the character of a person if they are willing to go through so much pain for a stranger. I would say my own suffering does not come even a strand close to someone like MLK’s, but I have had to help a lot of people out with their problems, which is good because it helps them. However, it makes uncomfortable and emotionally drained.
I think the analogy and your way of describing are great! I see the ways you tried to compare an athlete to MLK and I also understand the differences. These choices of suffering are complete different as one of course is a choice and mindset that is wanted compared to the other that is not a choice. If I was very passionate about something, yet it meant suffering to get there I would at least give it a try as it is a choice to take on this suffering.