Before analyzing this article written by Martin Luther King Jr, it is reasonable to define the context of the situation. This letter was written on April 16, 1963 and addressed to several clergy men. These same men have previously criticized the actions of Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), during their protests in Birmingham, hence the title of this letter. King, a very patient man, does not become angry at these men, however, he comprises this letter to help clear up their concerns. At the beginning of this letter, King addresses how he got to Birmingham. He first claims how he was an outsider. However, defending this idea to the fullest degree. King’s intelligence first was revealed to me by his writing strategies. His communication skills are impeccable, as is his patience. He is very straightforward as he addresses his purpose for being in this foreign city. He was invited there actually, and even though the missions of his and this organization operate mainly in Atlanta, there was a need in this city. Although this reasoning above is more than acceptable as an explanation to his presence. He then offers another reason for being there, he said he was morally called there. King was always a man of strong religious and moral beliefs.
These were represented several times throughout his life, through his deep commitment for ending racism. He went to Birmingham to fight injustice, to give people voice who had none. Although the south was very deep in their racist ways, King fought for these people with every ounce of his being. He was a remarkable leader and empowering individual. King was unlike most people of his time. His efforts far outreached others in the same ballfield. There were many others, just as King, that were engaged in civil rights movements, but no one was as involved as King, at least in my opinion that is. This letter is very important for any person to become familiar with, and it is written in such a way that most people can understand to concept of it. It appeals to individuals because it explains a moment of history, it reveals to be the actual situations that this country faced only a few decades ago. Most people believe that racism is such an issue of the past, but the dates in this letter reveal to audiences that it wasn’t that long ago. The composure of this letter reveals to audiences several things about the author.
First, and foremost his character. However, this is not the only thing revealed, although it could be discussed for days on end. The organization of this letter is also admirable. I say this, because during this time King was residing in a prison cell. His train of thought was not altered regardless of his environment. He wrote rather clearly and efficiently as well to express his views to these undeserving clergy men. Organization is a leading component in any writings, it is essential for audiences to understanding the points being made, but also helps them to come to realizations. This is especially true in these instances. Not only did the organization of King’s words help audiences come to certain conclusions, but the way he places each point also shows hierarchies in a sense. Many conclusions were formed by this piece for me. Amongst these conclusions formed, I actually gained a little insight on myself as well. I realized that on more occasions than not, I am only concerned with issues directly affecting me. I understand that King was black, but he was not enslaved, nor was he brutality treated. However, he still fought for these people, and eventually was assassinated. King is what one would call a martyr, he died for his beliefs in ending racism. Not only was he jailed because of his words and actions, but he was killed. This made me realize that I should do more for organizations and causes that I am passionate about. I feel like I gained this desire back, some of King’s words motivated me to be an altogether better version of myself.
127 our experts are availableright now
The most inspiring quote from this selection would certainly be when King stated: “IN ANY nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices are alive, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action. We have gone through all of these steps in Birmingham. There can be no gainsaying of the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community” (P.1). The reason I found this to be such a key passage, is because King literally did everything he could before these protests. And even through this, he was still as peaceful as he could be. Despite his patience and fairness, many people were still critical of both him and his goals. King is a very reliable source, and I feel that no one can question his credentials. I feel that there are certainly more issues that King did not articulate in this letter, however, I feel he stated enough information to gain attention from both the clergymen and also audiences, such as myself alike. I feel that King was not bias at any given point. He supported each claim that he had. He had no reason for bias, because he was part of something much more, and that was the truth. The only reason he placed himself in these positions is because he felt the obligation to. He lost his life supporting his cause. He would not simply lie and make up these instances, rather explain the situation and what should and could be done about it.
After reading and reviewing this article, I am very pleased with the information gained. It is not often that you read something that truly moves you and motivates you towards a specific action or realization. After reading this, however, I gained my passion back. I admire King more than most people, and that is because of his character. I feel we can all strive to be a little bit more like this man. Whether it be in action or words, we can all be a little bit better. King showed us in this letter, then despite the hatefulness and cruelness of people, we should always fight for what we believe is right. He never once spoke ugly words unto these men, or other men like him. That, right there in itself is an admirable quality I would like to possess someday. But until then, I will try and model the way of King.
