Essay about Letter: African American and Martin Luther King

Submitted By kkimble87
Words: 1043
Pages: 5
Open Document
Kendra Kimble
May 30, 2013
English 101
'LETTER FROM A BIRMINGHAM JAIL'
MY PERSONAL RESPONSE LETTER! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” is a poignant look into the reality of racial inequality in 1960s America. King writes this letter to fellow clergy men and aims to address their concerns regarding the wisdom and timing of the nonviolent direct-action demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama that King and other leaders orchestrated and carried out in 1963. King employs all three types of appeals; however, I find I am particularly moved by pathos and ethos in this work. So much that, I must admit, I was initially confused by my own emotions. Dr. King’s letter evokes in me strong feelings of empathy, indignation, and even pride.
One of my first reactions to this reading was a sense of guilt by the mere virtue of being part of what King describes as the “oppressor race” . But after allowing myself some time to inventory and analyze my reaction, I came to the realization that I can no more take responsibility for the actions of the white segregationists King describes than I can place the responsibility for crimes perpetrated by African Americans of previous generations on the African Americans that I know. The accurate description of what I felt is not guilt, but rather empathy and Dr. King creates several opportunities for his audience place themselves in his role, as in the following passage: “when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year old daughter why she can’t go to the pubic amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told fun town closed to colored children,”. As a Parent a heartbreaking scene is etched into my mind. Instantly, I picture my own seven year old child looking up at me, the innocence in his eyes distorted by tears. I imagine sorrow flooding my heart as sadness leaves wet streaks on his round little cheeks and an ache in my chest so intense that I am left physically incapable of speaking. King’s ability to get me to place my son and me into his reality all but guarantees my support of his situation because, to put it simply, is just plain wrong, and that is a powerful tool.
In this reading, there are many examples of things that are wrong. Indignation is an emotion that I find surfacing within myself over and over again as I read, but nowhere is it more apparent than in King’s statement, “Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered,”. This quote resonates in me as I consider that not only has a whole population of Americans been humiliated, deemed inferior, and denied basic human rights, but they have also, in many cases, been robbed of their means to participate in our political process. The right and duty to vote is sacrosanct in the American system. We are told time and again that our message can be heard through our vote. Impeding that amounts to stealing one’s voice. African Americans endured unimaginable hardships in this land and were powerless to effect change in the system with their vote. I find this to be the height of injustice.
Another example of injustice in this reading is King’s arrest. He writes, “I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and deny citizens their First Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest,” As King explains how a just law can become unjust through capricious or malicious application, I find myself perplexed by the situation. African American citizens are struggling for the equality America was founded on, and these
Show More

Related Documents: Essay about Letter: African American and Martin Luther King

AVID Final Mis 1 Essay

English III 30 May 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Headed Research Paper Martin Luther King Jr. was a great leader for the Civil Rights Movement for African Americans. His leadership qualities such as vision, integrity, concern, creativity and courage were of great importance for him to lead so many people. With these many qualities helped King to become a catalyst for change for the equal rights of all African Americans. To write such strong and challenging letters such as his letter from Birmingham jail…

Words 1378 - Pages 6

An Analysis Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter From Birmingham Jail

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an extremely influential leader in the African American Civil Rights movement during the 1950’s and 1960’s. He was dedicated to nonviolent direct action to end racial segregation and discrimination in America. Dr. Martin Luther King organized many protests and events to bring about social change and justice, such as his iconic and very moving “I have a Dream” speech at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and the protests in Birmingham, Alabama. King was arrested by city…

Words 655 - Pages 3

Summary Of Martin Luther King's Letter From Birmingham Jail

Vanessa Orantes Period 2 Ms Elam 4-20-17 King’s letter Martin Luther King Jr. an African American man, was an important and powerful leader during the Civil Rights Movement in 1950-1960’s. He led his African American people against racial prejudice and the inequalities of segregation of the South. His involvement during this movement got him arrested due to a protest for civil rights in Birmingham, Alabama. As he spent his time there he received a letter from eight Alabamian clergymen compelled to respond…

Words 832 - Pages 4

Birmingham Protests

final word.” Civil Rights Movement leader Martin Luther King Jr recited this quote during his acceptance speech. Martin Luther King Jr. recited his acceptance speech after he proudly obtained his Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1964. In his speech, Martin Luther King Jr. explains how he believed the projects he led were successful and how those projects led to something amazing. In the 1960’s many conflicts followed like the Birmingham Protests, Letter from a Birmingham…

Words 807 - Pages 4

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Civil Rights Activist

Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of many civil rights activists that have shaped America to what it has become today. He has had a big influence on society and the lives of Americans today. King was an African American male born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929 (“Champions of Human Rights: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”). King was well known for leading peaceful protest against segregation. One of King’s first actions as a civil rights activist was the boycott of public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama…

Words 967 - Pages 4

Rhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther King's Letter To Birmingham

that. Hate can’t drive out Hate. Only love can do that.” on April 16th 1963, Martin luther king Jr, so eloquently explained in his piece which is entitled “Letter to Birmingham”, it expresses the pain and the injustice of the life of a african amercan of this time period. He supports his claims by expressing his concerns for african americans. Then he goes on to explain how the police force treats the african americans unfairly and judges their character by the color of their skin. Finally to commend…

Words 932 - Pages 4

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter From A Birmingham Jail

What is the price associated in obtaining equality? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would narrate a renowned letter that shows the cause and effects related to injustice to his fellow clergymen in explaining the reasons why he believes the Civil Rights movement is well needed for the African American people during 1963. Regardless of all the criticism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would gather through his fellow clergymen, who would cite his actions as being “unwise and untimely” nonetheless he would press…

Words 419 - Pages 2

African American and Martin Luther King Essay

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., marched into downtown Birmingham to protest the existing segregation laws. All were arrested. This caused the clergymen of this Southern town to compose a letter appealing to the black population to stop their demonstrations. This letter appeared in the Birmingham Newspaper. In response, Martin Luther King drafted a document that would mark the turning point of the Civil Rights movement and provide enduring inspiration to the struggle for racial equality. Martin Luther…

Words 665 - Pages 3

While Confined Here In The Birmingham City Jail Essay example

“While confined here in the Birmingham City Jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities ‘unwise and untimely’” (Atlantic, pg. 1). This quote is from Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, which was targeted towards the clergymen who called him an “outsider”. For ones beliefs to be accused of being “unwise and untimely” should be a crime itself. The Constitution of the United States of America says every man has the freedom of speech. For a man’s words to be…

Words 2377 - Pages 10

Martin Luther King Jr Vs Malcolm X

During the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were two important role models who represented the voices of African Americans who could not find justice from racial prejudice and discrimination against themselves in the United States. Although Malcolm X’s approach on social justice presented strong points during the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s approach on achieving social justice was more effective. Nonviolent direct actions, which include silent protests…

Words 646 - Pages 3