Natalia Naman Temesgen: MLK's human side is also an inspiration

Martin Luther King Jr. was not a demigod. He was not a superhero. He was a man. And I mean that as a compliment.

Last week, I watched Ava DuVernay's new film "Selma," based on the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery in pursuit of protected and equal voting rights for all citizens. King was a large part of the film, of course, as he organized and led the march.

I really enjoy watching dramatic accounts of MLK's life. They add a very tangible dimension to his history, considering I wasn't alive to witness it. They also bear relevance to current struggles for equal human rights and race relations in this country.

But I think my favorite thing about MLK films and plays is the realization that he was a man, a complex and flawed person, just like you or me.

Katori Hall's play "The Mountaintop" is centered on the last night of MLK's life as he sits in his room in the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. The play presents a very human King. He smokes cigarettes, flirts with the housekeeper and gets frustrated with himself as he tries to write a speech. He also prays, considers his mortality and speaks of the goals he still hopes to achieve before his life's end. He manages to be both irreverent and nearly holy in this play, and at the end you are left amazed at the beauty, shortcomings and incredible legacy of one man.

"Selma" isn't quite as interested in deconstructing the godlike qualities of MLK, but it does present the audience with a man who is struggling daily to stay courageous, bold and keep fighting the nonviolent fight to achieve what he believes in.King expresses his frustration with himself, his collaborators and of course those he believes to be impeding his progress. He is not a robot, impervious to pain or discouragement. Again, he is a man -- an exceptional one, without doubt.

The amazing thing about this human depiction of MLK is that it begins to shake up our perspective.

When we reflect on his legacy and make him into a superhuman idol of sorts, we restrict his legacy's power.

We say, "Wow, what strides he made. But I could never do anything like that. I'm a mom. I'm a dad. I have family obligations. I have work obligations. I smoke. I have marital issues. I get down on myself too often." The list is endless.

But the thing is, Martin Luther King Jr. had those same issues. And he still found it within himself, with the aid of his Christian faith, to continue to press on in pursuit of justice for the oppressed American citizen.

As we enjoy the holiday Monday, I hope we can reflect on King's inspiring life and legacy. We all have our weak areas; we're all human. But we can follow his lead and choose courage and boldness over fear and insecurity as we march for what we believe in.

Natalia Naman Temesgen is an independent correspondent. Contact her at nataliadian1@gmail.com or on Twitter@cafeaulazy.

This story was originally published January 17, 2015 at 8:14 PM with the headline "Natalia Naman Temesgen: MLK's human side is also an inspiration."