Where Is Justice: Letter from a Birmingham Jail Essay Example

us that Jesus Christ was considered an extremist for his beliefs in love, truth, and goodness. Despite the crucifixion, he rose above his environment. King also uses vivid descriptions of horrific events that occurred during non-violent protests to evoke emotions of disgust, sadness, and sympathy. He acknowledges that experiences of shattered hopes and deep disappointments are not unique in our history, thereby encouraging pity and understanding from his audience. Through these techniques, King creates pathos of injustice and anger at the evil acts committed, with the aim of having the audience more open to his letter.

Martin Luther King Jr. conveys the struggles of the black community in America through powerful language and vivid imagery. He describes witnessing brutal acts such as mobs lynching parents and drowning siblings without consequence, as well as police officers using hate-filled language and physical violence towards black individuals. The majority of the black population, roughly twenty million people, are trapped in poverty despite living in an affluent society. King illustrates the urgency of change by emphasizing his community's suffering- phrases such as "at will," "kill with impunity," and "smothering in an airtight cage" convey a sense of hopelessness and desperation. Furthermore, King draws attention to historical events and figures to strengthen his argument that something being legal doesn't make it morally right - such as segregation.

Martin Luther King Jr. emphasizes that despite being technically legal, Hitler's atrocities such as mass killing of Jews and conducting inhumane scientific experiments were morally unjustifiable. He reflects on his own stance, stating that even though it was illegal to support Jewish people during that era, he would have still helped them if he

lived in Germany. Drawing a connection between American segregation and anti-Semitic policies in Nazi Germany, King argues that both practices are equally unfair and highlights their similarities to urge readers to view segregation as an inhumane act.

King's ethos extends beyond his own race to include the advancement of humanity, and he provides aid to his "Jewish brothers" while advocating for fair treatment regardless of nationality. To elicit an emotional response, King references Socrates' condemnation despite his commitment to truth. Additionally, he identifies Abraham Lincoln, John Bunyan, and Thomas Jefferson as extremists due to their belief in a free nation.

Martin Luther King Jr. utilizes emotional appeal to rouse the sentiments of his audience in his speech, emphasizing that America's principles were established on Thomas Jefferson's declaration: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men were created equal." This technique emphasizes the significance of affection for one's country and loyalty while also expressing that unfairness has no role in American culture.

King's letter was able to touch many people with its examination of the struggles facing African-Americans. Through his adept use of emotional appeal, King effectively engages the reader and reinforces the legitimacy of the civil rights movement and their fight for justice.