Racial discrimination has affected the world in many ways. Historically in the United States there have always been racial issues between the African Americans and white Americans. Most African Americans were sidelined in all areas of economic, political and social growth. Whites were seen to be more superior, which led to segregation of housing, schools, restaurants, hotels, and transportation. Equally concerning, are the instances of religious discrimination that still occur in this country. Even though we have made important advances in race relations, we still face serious racial and religious discrimination in the United States. During the 1950s until the mid 1970s African Americans fought for their rights to have equality in the Southern States. Dealing with issues like Brown v. Board of Education was the spark needed to advocate black’s rights to learn in equal unity. In an article written by Fred Bailey in “The Southern Historical Association and The Quest for Racial Justice,” he expresses how “segregated school during the time made whites feel smarter and more superior over the blacks” (Bailey). In the sixties the fight for equal rights gained momentum. Organizational groups were developing and gaining national attention. Groups like the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), and Dr. Martin Luther King’s SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) endorsed peaceful methods to join together and live in unity. In the early 1960s The Civil Rights Act was passed which prohibited discrimination in schools, restaurants, hotels, and in public facilities. Even though the Civil Rights Act was passed, some whites did not obey the law. This made ma... ... middle of paper ... ...f discrimination no matter what religion, ethnic, or nationality an individual represents. The human race needs to be more respectful of the differences that make us unique. Works Cited Bailey, Fred A. “The Southern Historical Association and The Quest For Racial Justice, 1954-1963.” Journal of Southern History 71.4 (2005): 833+. Gale U.S. History In Context. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. Gellhorn, Martha. “White Into Black.” The Reader. Ed. Judy Sieg. 3rd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2010. 57-65. Print. Hamid, Tawfik. “Discrimination Against Non-Muslims in U.S. Must Stop” Newsmax 21 Sept. 2009. General Onefile. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. King,Martin Luther, Jr.. “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” The Reader. Ed. Judy Sieg. 3rd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2010. 221-232. Print. Sorokin, Ellen. “White Profs Cry Bias.” Insight on the News 20 May 2002: 31. General OneFile. Web. 18 Oct. 2011.
... and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter From Birmingham Jail" are very different in terms of literary technique and approach, the two works bear some uncanny similarities that yield some surprising likenesses in many aspects. The comparisons and contrasts drawn here highlight the most significant of those features with respect to the works of two men who are both revered for the virtues they espoused during their lifetimes.
Jr., Martin Luther King. "Letter from Birmingham Jail." College, Pikes Peak Community. English 121 Readings. Boston/NewYork: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2010. 112-126.
After being arrested in downtown Birmingham on a Good Friday, Reverend Martian Luther King Jr. wrote his famous letter, “A Letter From Birmingham Jail” responding to the criticism demonstrated by eight prominent white clergymen. This letter has been found important through out history because it expresses King’s feelings towards the un-just event and it is an example of a well-written argument.
1) King, Martin Luther, Jr. “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” A world of Ideas, 7th Ed.
King, Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. "Letter From A Birmingham Jail." Letter to The Clergymen. 16 Apr. 1963. American Identities. N.p.: Wiley-Blackwell, 2005. N. pag. Print
King, Martin Luther Jr. "Letter from Birmingham Jail." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006.
Historians offer different perceptions of the significance of Martin Luther King and the 1963 March on Washington. Without examining this event within its historical context the media publicity and iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech can easily overshadow progress that was already underway in America. It was insisted by prominent civil rights activist Ella Baker, ‘the movement made Martin rather than Martin making the movement.’ What is important not to overlook is the significant change that took place in the United States during the previous 100 years. Such that, many influential figures in support of racial equality opposed the March. The Civil Rights Act proposed by President Kennedy in 1963 was already in the legislative process. Furthermore the Federal Government was now reasserting power over the entire of the United States by enforcing a policy of desegregation. It is important to note that these changes all took place less than one hundred years after the Thirteenth Amendment in 1965 abolished slavery, and the Fourteenth amendment in 1968 acknowledged the rights of former slaves to be acknowledged as U.S citizens. With this level of progress Kennedy was against the March going ahead due to the argument that it was limited in what it could achieve. Today, King’s 1963 Speech is viewed as one of the most iconic speeches in history. However, was it a key turning point in African Americans achieving racial equality? Federal endorsement would suggest yes after decades of southern states being able to subvert the Federal law designed to break down segregation. This support built upon the corner stones of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth amendments in the nineteenth century. Therefore looking at the national status of black Americans fro...
The constant efforts and struggles of African Americans against Jim Crow laws, hate groups, social injustice, and racial bias prevailed and led to the Civil Rights Movement that has shaped our contemporary world. The struggle of African Americans to gain equal rights in a society dominated by conservative, white culture and prejudice along with the endeavor of acquiring the constitutional right to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, can safely place Jim Crow laws in archive of American
Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, segregation in the United States was commonly practiced in many of the Southern and Border States. This segregation while supposed to be separate but equal, was hardly that. Blacks in the South were discriminated against repeatedly while laws did nothing to protect their individual rights. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ridded the nation of this legal segregation and cleared a path towards equality and integration. The passage of this Act, while forever altering the relationship between blacks and whites, remains as one of history’s greatest political battles.
King, Jr., Martin Luther. “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. Ed. John D. Ramage, John C. Bean, and June Johnson. Boston: Pearson, 2012. 584-95. Print.
In the United States, racial discrimination has a lengthy history, dating back to the biblical period. Racial discrimination is a term used to characterize disruptive or discriminatory behaviors afflicted on a person because of his or her ethnic background. In other words, every t...
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was written to address the public criticism he and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference received from eight clergymen. In his letter, King shows off his fiery emotion throughout his letter. However, King does not force his beliefs upon his readers. Rather, he hopes that his readers will see his perspective on the situation through an emotional appeal. If the readers are able to recognize the injustice and inequality suffered by the African American community, perhaps they can. The fourteenth and fifteenth paragraphs were a true testament to his passion and ambition for equal rights.
In 1963, when African-Americans were fighting for black and white equality, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” While confined in the Birmingham jail, King felt the need to respond to a letter published in the local newspaper. This letter criticized King’s intentions during his visit by saying they were untimely. As a way to defend his actions, King put together a number of arguments and beliefs that proved why taking direct action was necessary during a time of racial discrimination. Furthermore, to persuade his audience, King had to gain trust and share the emotional connection he had with his people. Today, “Letter to Birmingham Jail,” is known for its articulate and powerful use of ethos, pathos, and logos.
Rottenburg, Anette. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Letter From a Birmingham Jail." Elements of Argument.. Boston: St. Martin's Press, 1991.
Phillip, Mary-Christine. "Yesterday Once More: African-Americans Wonder If New Era Heralds," Black Issues in Higher Education. (July 1995).