Even Though He Is Revered Today, MLK Was Widely Disliked by the American Public When He Was Killed | History | Smithsonian Magazine

One of the most fascinating conversations I have ever had with my Dad was about this very thing (and John F. Kennedy). He was born in 1940 (28 in 1968). It reminded me of one of my favorite history maxims: the worst mistake a historian can make is to judge a culture by our own values.

Things that we see one way, weren’t always seen in the same way by the folks who were actually there…

Seventy-five percent of Americans disapproved of the civil rights leader as he spoke out against the Vietnam War and economic disparity

Source: Even Though He Is Revered Today, MLK Was Widely Disliked by the American Public When He Was Killed | History | Smithsonian Magazine