Letter From Birmingham Jail, by Martin Luther King Jr.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. one of many great influential speakers wrote a life changing letter after being arrested for peacefully protesting African American rights. While sitting in jail Dr. King received a letter from clergymen questioning his motives and timings for being in Birmingham. In a response Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. writes a “Letter from Birmingham Jail” vividly expressing physical and emotional purposes for his presence in Birmingham, AL.

First, in the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s purpose is to show his fellow clergymen true imagery of how racism and segregation is affecting the citizens of Birmingham. Dr. King states, “There can be no gainsaying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community.” Considering how Negroes are being treated poorly in courts and having church bomb threats, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wants the clergymen to see that there is no denying that Birmingham is one of the most racist cities in the United States. “Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths … must we … create the kind of tension in society that helps men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism.” Through a powerful quote from a classical Greek philosopher Dr. King is showing the clergymen that he has no reason for violent campaigning; rather his purpose is to have peaceful “Direct-action programs” to give oppressed people the right to fight for their “Constitutional God-given rights”. “When you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers… when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick, and even kill your black brothers and sisters… when you finally find yourself stammering to expla...

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...telling the Clergymen that judging him for peaceful acts is like judging God for sending Jesus to earth. Although God did send Jesus to Earth to be crucified He did not send Jesus to start riots are wars, Dr. King’s peaceful acts resemble the acts of God. Dr. King was invited to Birmingham to help the Negroes negotiate constitutional rights not to precipitate violence in any way. Afterwards, Dr. King says that he upset that his fellow clergymen sees his actions as an “extremist.” If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an extremist then he is an extremist for peaceful negotiations and equal rights. Dr. King then states “Was not Jesus an extremist for love: Love your enemies… do good to them that hate you.” Dr. King uses the connotative meaning of extremist and provides the clergymen with a biblical quote to show that being an extremist is not a bad characteristic to have.

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