With any great social movement comes its accompanying literature. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. led highly publicized demonstrations in Birmingham that received criticisms from local clergymen. Ultimately, King was arrested in Birmingham for not having a permit to parade. From the cell that he was jailed in, King responded by writing the epitome of what the Civil Rights Movement stood for: the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” King justifies the civil rights demonstrations because of the fact that…
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would be viewed as boneheads. The clergy is being viewed like those who don't believe the earth is round because they are stubborn and unfair when it comes to the freedom and justice of all people, no matter their skin color. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” used emotional appeal that made his readers feel the plight of African Americans because he used moving examples of the problems African Americans dealt with. Dr.King used the emotional appeal to get his readers to feel…
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In Martin Luther King Jr’s. Letter from a Birmingham Jail, King provides strong philosophical arguments to show the clergymen why the demonstration in Birmingham was necessary, well thought out, and fair because of their God given right to have the same liberties as white men. King contemplates the topics of just and unjust laws, civil disobedience, and direct action using personal and theological example to support his thesis. King’s first uses the topic of just and unjust laws to demonstrate why…
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Rhetorical Analysis King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” is effective at convincing the audience of the immorality of segregation because of his use of rhetorical appeals, his knowledge on the topic, and his ability to connect his audience to the everyday harsh conditions of the average colored person. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. uses the rhetorical appeals of ethos, logos, and pathos throughout his entire “letter”, and he uses them effectively. The goal of rhetorical appeals is to get a point or…
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Despite the fact that at first started for a particular reason, the letter that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. composed while detained in Birmingham at last tended to general inquiries of freedom and inequality. In "Letter From Birmingham Jail", King argues that the laws of the segregated south are "unreasonable" and in this manner ought not be acknowledged or followed. He clarifies the contrast between God's laws and uncalled for, man-made laws made to oppress the black race, and how it is his "obligation"…
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Civil rights activist, Martin Luther King, Jr., in his letter, Letter from a Birmingham Jail, illustrates his disapproval of segregation in the United States and why it needs to end. King's argument comes about from reading fellow clergymen's letter to him. He showcases many different tones throughout, going from assertive to optimistic, but still grasps the audience's attention through his use of rhetorical techniques. In the beginning of his letter, King uses polysyllabic language, such as ".…
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Main Thesis The purpose of this paper is to recognize the central view of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail, and reflect what I thought about the letter and how will it have an influence on my upcoming social work preparation. Included are three quotes that stood out as powerful and impressively put together. The main thesis of Dr. Martin Luther King’s being in Birmingham was because of the many injustices that were geared towards Blacks/African Americans. His main purpose was…
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generation or content. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr have fought to their death’s preaching the importance of fighting injustices that not only inflict their communities but other oppressed communities worldwide. In the case of Dr. King, he fought for racial equality and basic civil right for Black Americans in the 50’s through the use of non-violent tactics such as sit in, boycotts and peaceful protest . Despite the praise that is placed on King's work for the African American community…
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In Martin Luther King’s open letter to eight white religious leaders written from Birmingham City Jail he uses rhetoric to persuade the consumer of the work by appealing to the emotional and logical understanding of the reader along with providing a strong foundation of his credibility. To generate activism in those who are complacent, King says, “We must see the need (…) of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding…
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Sociological Analysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail Abstract The paper analyses Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” from a sociological point of view and shows how three major theories (structural functionalism, social conflict, and symbolic interactionism) are treated in the letter. The paper shows different appreciation of King’s ideas and works by his contemporaries and modern people. It also explores the concepts of “nonviolent direct action”…
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