What Motivates People to Struggle for Change

Motivation is the fuel that drives someone's urge to pursue change. To create lasting change, identifying proper motivation is essential. Throughout the history of the United States, the quest for freedom has served as a driving motivation for equal rights and opportunities. Several factors are instrumental in bringing about change, including racial inequality, gender inequality, and religious beliefs. These factors have sparked movements that have significantly shaped society and continue to influence change today.

Racial inequality has been a pervasive issue in the history of the United States, affecting the lives of countless individuals and communities.

The limitation of rights, segregation, and the restriction of citizenship are just a few ways certain groups have experienced racial inequality. Frederick Douglass, born into slavery during the 19th century, is a prime example of someone who used his experiences with racial inequality as motivation to fight for change. During his younger years, Douglass faced numerous forms of discrimination and was denied access to many rights based solely on his race. Motivated by these injustices, he became a leading abolitionist and championed the rights of slaves in the United States. In his powerful speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" Douglass challenges the nation's celebration of freedom, asserting, "While we are reading, writing and ciphering, acting as clerks, merchant, and secretaries, having among us lawyer, doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators, and teachers… we are called upon to prove that we are men!" (Pg 291). In this statement, Douglass emphasizes the capabilities of African Americans and questions why they are not considered equal to white men. His personal experiences with racial inequality fueled his resolve to fight for justice and equality.

Similarly, gender inequality has historically limited the rights and opportunities available to women in the United States. For example, women were denied the right to vote in presidential elections for a significant part of American history, restricting their ability to influence political outcomes. Sojourner Truth, a 19th-century women's rights activist, also used her experiences with inequality as motivation for change. After escaping slavery, she discovered that a free woman was not entitled to the same rights as a free man. In her famous speech "Ain't I a Woman?" she declares, "I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man—when I could get it—and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman?" (Pg 331). Through these words, Truth highlights the strength and capability of women, challenging the notion that they should not enjoy the same rights as men. Her motivation to fight for change was rooted in her experiences with gender inequality, and she became a powerful voice in the fight for women's rights.

Religious beliefs have also been a significant factor motivating individuals to stand up for change. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution grants citizens freedom of religion, inspiring many to defend their beliefs and, at times, fight for change. Cassius Clay, who later became known as Muhammad Ali, was a world-class boxer who converted to Islam during his professional boxing career. After his conversion, Ali refused to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and morals as reasons for his refusal. This decision led to legal consequences, including jail time. Ali famously stated, "War is against the Holy Quran. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers." This declaration underscores Ali's commitment to his religious beliefs and illustrates how these beliefs motivated him to take a stand against participating in the war. His actions and words demonstrate how religious beliefs can inspire individuals to challenge unjust laws and advocate for change.

While factors like racial inequality, gender inequality, and religious beliefs have motivated positive change, other factors such as greed have led individuals to commit harmful actions. Greed is a powerful motivator that can drive individuals to change circumstances solely for personal gain, often at the expense of others. Some argue that greed is the most significant factor provoking change, as many dictators and individuals who have committed atrocities were driven by a desire for wealth and power. Anthony Johnson, a 17th-century African American who became a slave owner, exemplifies how greed can lead to contradictory actions. After earning his freedom and purchasing land, Johnson advocated for the legal recognition of slavery to retain an indentured servant for life. His actions highlight how greed can motivate individuals to enact changes that benefit themselves while overlooking the rights and freedoms of others. However, the contradictions inherent in such motivations often lead to counter-movements driven by more powerful factors like justice and equality.

In conclusion, the factors that spark change are varied and complex, with racial inequality, gender inequality, and religious beliefs serving as significant motivators for positive transformation. Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Muhammad Ali are just a few examples of individuals who harnessed their experiences and beliefs to fight for justice and equality. Understanding the motivations behind movements is crucial for supporting meaningful causes, as it provides insight into the true purpose of the fight for change. As society continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and address the factors that inspire individuals and communities to advocate for a more just and equitable world.

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