What does it mean to be a leader? Do you need power over millions like Hitler during World War II, or is leadership a position earned and not given? To make the question even more complex, what does it mean to lead effectively? This part of the mission statement has had the greatest impact and resonant effect on the way I live in Wabash. Through the use of Martin Luther King Jr., The Modern Prometheus, and Rabbit Proof Fences I hope to capture the slightest understanding of what it means to demonstrate effective leadership even in the face of adversity. By finding examples from texts and films, I aim to analyze the key elements found among natural leaders and what they do effectively. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the greatest influential and powerful speakers of the twentieth century, his nonviolent protests and leadership skills leading African Americans during the civil rights movement. During our time dedicated to lingering questions, MLK was the topic of our first discussions. The opposition he faced was immense, yet even in these difficult times he found the courage to stand up for justice among blacks. One of the first times we met for EQ we watched an interview with Meet the Press: MLK, in this speech MLK was pitted against four men who questioned his motives. The normal person would have difficulty answering any of these complex questions without losing their temper, but MLK remained calm and responded knowledgeably. Through his answers, Dr. King was able to gain even more acclaim for his already stellar career. Just like MLK, another figure who faced opposition on a daily basis was Jesus when he dealt with the Pharisees. The Pharisees clashed with the followers of Christ and made it difficult to live a normal life, similar to the conflict blacks had with white segregators. The situations are quite similar and even more so because of how they both reacted, MLK was able to give answers that baffled people who questioned his motives. And looking at the moment when the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus looking for answers, Jesus responds in a way that the Pharisees can't return with anything to respond with. One conversation excerpted from the interview was: “Isn't this an indication that the sit-ins are doing the race, the Negro race, more harm than good? (King 428)” to which MLK responds, “Now, I don't think this movement is setting us back or making enemies; It's causing numerous people across the nation, and in the South in particular, to reevaluate the stereotypes that they've developed about Negroes so that it has educational value, and I think in the long run it will transform American society as a whole. (Kings 428)” By setting this standard he wants to demonstrate that he will not give up in the face of adversity. Even former President Truman was against him, yet he plodded along. The characteristics of a leader are very evident in the way MLK presents himself with his speeches and actions. No matter how many people were against him, he knew there was a goal to achieve, something ahead, perhaps not a clear end but a vision of a greater future. His use of non-violent protests also added to his resume, his people were beaten, murdered, mocked and many other atrocities. People may wonder why follow a person who can put their life in danger, MLK offered something that people would die for, just like thedeep-rooted patriotism of dying for our country at war, there was an emotional appeal to help MLK during the civil rights movement. This power to persuade not only his followers but also those who despised him shows how good he was at leading effectively, as his words still resonate today. Then I will talk about an antihero, someone who could have used leadership effectively but failed and, as a result, ruined the lives of not only himself but those who loved him. Victor, as we know, was a curious child growing up and through several years of research he developed a way to revive life. Frankenstein's monster was created, but there seemed to be no reason behind the creation, just to create the monster but didn't think any further about it. Victor was even surprised when the monster came to life because he had doubted his work for so long. But at that given moment Victor had two choices: he could raise the monster with good morals or he could freak out and disown him. As we know, the monster escapes from Victor, an innocent creation left outside of society to fend for himself. Without a leader, the monster has learned from what he has experienced: harshness, anger, brutality and sadness. As stated earlier, this novel functions as a testimony of how not to lead others. As if it were a generational problem, Victor also had leadership issues. Growing up he hardly had the opportunity to interact and develop a close relationship with his parents, as a result he dedicated his time to other things. After rejecting the monster and ruining his life, Victor can't help but feel responsible for his actions. By not becoming a much-needed leader or parental figure, you create an unstable environment and inhibit growth. Of course the monster didn't have to become evil, but what choice do you have when no one accepts him and everyone despises him. Victor and the Monster refers to a person who made his biography/novel, A Child Called It. In it a child is abused and tortured throughout his early childhood, without ever having a stable background or leadership and, despite all the negative aspects, the man becomes a leader. Why do certain situations that have a similar beginning end so differently? The way I see it there are two perspectives people have on life. It can get better or it can get worse. The monster, through multiple rejections, learned only to hate and got worse as a result, but in the case of the abused child he only saw the good and how life will get better. While perspective is the main focus of this comparison, I believe leadership is important in both accounts. To illustrate leadership even further, I will now cover another way it is performed. Leading effectively means doing the right thing regardless of who is watching. Taking a position or action that leads to a positive outcome. In Rabbit Proof Fences, the theme of driving is also evident, as a girl must lead her sister and cousin home. Along the way, Molly's split-second decisions kept the tracker away. As in the film, I also think that to be effective, a great leader must be able to react and respond under pressure. As previously mentioned, I believe a leadership position is earned, not given. An old saying I have heard is that if a man says "I am a king" he is not really a king. This means you can't just take a leadership position and expect people to respect you and work for you, it develops over years of bonding with people. Or in times of desperation, when a person must step up in a crisis to become someone others can look up to, as seen.