King’s Letter Review
Martin Luther King Jr was an advocate of human rights more so the freedom of African Americans. King wrote a letter in response to the views of some clergymen who asserted that the black activists should follow the legal procedures in the fight against racism. In the letter, Martin Luther states the suffering subjected to black people by the whites in America. Notably, the blacks experience conditions like police brutality, injustices in the legal system and bombings of their homes (Berry 4). White Americans perceive blacks as outsiders hence lead to the failure of African Americans to access essential services like good healthcare and education. King and his fellow activists engaged in peaceful demonstrations in a move to achieve the goal of equality in the United States. In the letter, Martin claims that the oppressed group should actively fight against inequity should rather than depending on courts to intervene (Berry 5). The legal system of America consists of several unjust laws which prompt King to obey only the just laws which encourage inclusivity.
The major claims in the letter by King were the agony blacks faced and the injustice in the legal system. African Americans suffered from multiple aspects like the rogue police and racism from whites which led to lack of essential needs. The murder of blacks by citizens and the police was rampant in many states in America through occurrences like bombings of their residential places. For instance, King wrote this letter while in prison as he was convicted of leading the demonstration even though they were non-violent. Moreover, fellow clergymen did not support the demonstrations which King led and anticipated for legal procedures. In the letter, King uses rhetorical strategies to express the claims of the suffering of blacks. He utilizes ethos by clearly stating his message by giving the facts on the problems the blacks endure. The text exhibits logos by illustrating the reasons for suffering logically. Notably, blacks suffer due to their skin colour and not due to any other incapacity. The author uses existing statistics to question the immorality in the United States. The text looks emotional on the illustration of the immense problems the African American face. Hence, this aspect shows the pathos in the letter by King to respond to the opposition parties.
The other claim by Martin Luther King is that of injustice in the court system of the United States. The author vehemently argues that the laws that should be followed are the just ones and ones which are inclusive of races and classes. In many cases, the judges based their conclusions on the bias like race, gender, and class. This move, therefore, leads to several injustices like sexual and racial discrimination. Furthermore, the courts at times treat blacks and people from smaller races as non-citizens of the United States. This aspect results in partisanship in judgement, especially where the cases involve a white and a black person. In a move to bring out the message in this claim, the author uses rhetorical strategies like ethos, pathos, and logos. Firstly, the author exhibits character since he is a clergyman and a human rights crusader hence shows the ethos when he uses truthful figures to show injustice. By leading the demonstrations against the suffering of blacks by the unfair court rulings and police, he proves to have ethical considerations. Through raising the unfair convictions of blacks, the author exhibits the pathos strategy thus wins the audience. The logos rhetoric comes up as Martin King uses accurate data and information of injustice in the courts. The injustices include judgements based on prejudices like skin colour and sex of defendants and victims.
Some several texts and documentaries have been written concerning the injustices in the united states of America. Notably, the subject matter of these narrative relates to the claims by King regarding the inequity, freedom, and justice in America. For example, an article titled “US police have a history of violence against black people. will it ever stop?” proves the argument of King. In this article, there is a text that claims that Americans should dismantle the whole system and rebuild it again (Oliver). Remarkably, this text clarifies the argument of Martin Luther as it highlights the failing judicial system in America. The report shows the numerous cases of killings of blacks in multiple streets of America, some of whom are children. To come up with this conclusion, the author of the article checks the delayed justice to victims of police brutality in the American courts. The article proves the killing of blacks just like King articulates in his letter. Surprising, some of these evil acts occur openly with several parties watching like in the recent killing of Floyd. The quote on dismantling the systems proves immense changes need to happen for racism to end in America since it is still common despite the many years that have passed since Martin’s time.
A journal on “Racism and redistribution in the United States: A solution to the problem of American exceptionalism” also illustrates the inequality in the United States. The journal contains the text “voter racism decreases the degree of redistribution” thus highlighting the fact that many Americans choose political parties based on their skin colour. Consequently, this aspect leads to imbalance when individuals get to power as they distribute resources concerning racism (Lee, and Roemer). This factor leads to the growth of slums where most blacks reside hence widening the poverty gaps in America. Relating the text with martin Luther king’s letter shows the extension of the inequity in America. According to King, the unfair distribution of resources leads to poor living conditions of blacks, appalling medical care and inferior education. This act further widens the gap between the whites and blacks although in recent times the leadership should aim to unite the nation. Election based on skin colour rather than the competence of leaders prompts activists to arise and champion for the rights of minorities. The current advancement on racism shows the lack of progress since Martin Luther’s times on unity, equality and justice in the united states. However, the recent act of all citizens of America rising to fight against inhumanity regardless of race proves progress in the fight for justice and equality.
In conclusion, King’s letter is relevant to the lives of the citizens of America to date. This verdict is because the oppression the blacks during King’s time is still common in modern-day America. Moreover, the legal system comprises of biased juries just like the old days. Additionally, individuals engage in an active fight for justice and equality just like Martin Luther wished. The king’s ideas are important as they incite individuals to fight against the oppression by the government and champion for an impartial judicial system. The reasoning of King is still relevant concerning justice and equality in America. In the letter, he uses facts to bring out the ideas of injustice and racism. Just like those times, America experiences racism, inequality and injustices in several sectors. For instance, the continued police killings and subjection of blacks to attacks and inferior living standards. Human activists should arise to fight against vices like discrimination and prejudice in courts of the United States.
Works Cited
Berry, Edward I. “Doing Time: King’s” Letter from Birmingham Jail”.” Rhetoric & Public Affairs 8.1 (2005). www.muse.jhu.edu/article/184284/summary?casa_token=qeeh6JVJoSEAAAAA:k2-tCdQedivCCsjClz2BDwX1Xh_Qr6_63QyalJoxbGQMWEJh_i2ADM_yaxstP7yLTW69jgMi6k4
Oliver Laughland. “US Police have a History of Violence against Black People. Will it Ever Stop?” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/04/american-police-violence-against-black-people. (2020).
Lee, Woojin, and John E. Roemer. “Racism and Redistribution in The United States: A Solution to the Problem of American Exceptionalism”. Journal of Public Economics, vol 90, no. 6-7, 2006, pp. 1027-1052. Elsevier BV, doi: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2005.08.008.