Whether it is in the political or economical arena , whether it is in the socio-cultural context , the notion of power remains the most

heated topic over centuries. What is power ,why it is so important in our society and how it is exercised? What are pros and cons of power ? My presentation will be based on the above problamatics. I will be using three different documents which explain perfectly the notion of power. The first document consists of two parts , a descriptive text of the history of slavery in western society as well as a photo of an african slave taken from a film called Amistad. The second document is about Harriet Tubman , a runaway slave , considered as one of the leaders in anti-slave movement in USA. Third document is a picture of Martin Luther King taken during his famous speech named I have a dream . To begin with , I would like to define what power is , Power is frequently defined as the ability to influence the behavior of people with or without resistance. The term authority is often used for power perceived as legitimate by the social structure. Whether it is a uncivilzed tribe in the middle of the jungle or a highly sophisticated , civilized society we encounter power in different forms, you will find leaders governing the country, you will find rich dominating the poor, you will find religions controlling the ordianry people . In brief, we are under the power of different ruling sturctures. I would like to pointout a concrete example where power had been exercised extremely; which is the system of colonization and slavery. The first document describes that , let me quote europen colonials in america such as Portugese , Spanish , dutch, French, & british colonized New World in order to have cheap labour, which means their main purpose was commercial benefits. The negores , which means africans were forced to work in farms under the rules of white skins. For example, this photo of the african slave in a spanish slave ship explains clearly how they were subjected to inhuman conditions. His hands are tied up , he is being treated as an animal,he seems to be anxious & afraid of his future. Secondly the ruling body , deprive their captors of their rights , law is controlled by the white skins; for a example Inter racial marriages were forbidden so that they won't integarte to the western society , and education was prohibted so that they would remain in obscurity in total ignorance, like slaves forever. On the contrary, the abuse of power leads to counter power, which means in simple terms the ability of 'have-nots' to combat the 'haves. In the second document, the hitorical figure Harriet Tubman was reffred as the Moses of her people as she helped slaves to escape from their misery and she played a significant role in the anti-colonialist movement to abolish slavery.In my opnion, it is evident that more a nation suppress another nation , supressed community will always rise more powerful , with more unity to oppose the descrimation. That was the reason for many riots and rebels up to now in the world. However, some world leaders have proved and emphasized the path to power should be non -violent,and peaceful as shown in the third document. By his famous speech of I have a dream Martin luther king one of the greatest black leaders which history has ever produced, wished equal rights, equal opportunities, freedom & jutice for everybody. His method was to convince people on street by his inspiring , motivating, non violent speeches like the speeches done by Mahatma Ghandi in India. Actually I think that this speech laid the foundation of modern USA where multicultuarilsm is accepted & respected , where a black leader governs white skins without any conflicts. To conclude with , it is important that power exists in order to manaintain a balanced , hamonious , disciplined society. It should not be abused at anypoint,by dictaorships ,totalitarains , emperrors or kings , but governed by the true essences & the values of democracy. That will lead to true liberty, equality and fraternity, much need values in our present society. Thank you.