Creatively Maladjusted

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “There are some things in our world to which I’m proud to be maladjusted.” Dr. King, no doubt, was referring to being creatively and necessarily maladjusted with respect to a variety of important societal issues of his day and can be applied to others in our day (and in relation to the the society at large (das man).

• Racial equality 
• Religious tolerance 
• Economic fairness 
• Peace
• Ecological sustainability and energy security 
• Individual liberty 
• Fighting psychiatric profiling and human rights abuses in the mental health system
• Transparent and corruption-free government 
• Community and family values

How might we briefly define those who are creatively maladjusted?

First, critical thinkers: The creatively maladjusted focus on a problematic area of society (something to which people of good will simply can’t be adjusted) with critical thought, examining the history of a bad idea, its extensions and consequences—the better to weed it out, roots and all.

Second, architects of alternatives: Not merely content with tearing down an existing structure, the creatively maladjusted offer alternatives and are willing to demonstrate those alternatives with good cheer and positivity in public places. They believe that loving and strident public action is the foundation of a true non-violent revolution.

 Thirdly, believers in humanity: Most importantly of all, the creatively maladjusted resist the pressure to dehumanize any and all of their fellow humans. They believe in the inherent uniqueness and worth of every individual and demonstrate this belief in every action they take.

Thus, creative maladjustment is a natural human response to oppression, an organic and highly adaptable way to oppose injustice.

 See International Association for the Advancement of Creative Maladjustment - Fulfilling Martin Luther King's Vision