Analysis of Letter From a Birmingham Jail
In 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. was asked to go to Birmingham to engage in a nonviolent direct-action program and was arrested as a result of this protest. A letter from several clergymen arrived to him during his incarceration criticizing his work as untimely and unwise. Martin Luther King responded to their critique in a “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and explained the necessity of his presence. He explains that his actions were thoroughly planned out. He used four basic steps to determine his actions, first he confirmed there was injustice in Birmingham, he tried to negotiate with Birmingham leaders, and considered the consequences of his actions. Finally, he concluded that direct-action was necessary and it could no longer wait. King’s letter explains how he rationalizes what nonviolent matters he can take while supporting his cause.
King directly responds to the clergymen’s concerns that King’s actions are untimely pointing out in his letter, “We know through painful …show more content…
He was also incarcerated and rationalized his intentions in his essay “Civil Disobedience.” He claims that the government is corrupt and that he doesn’t intend to pay taxes to the government when they are using the tax money to fund war. “If the alternative is to keep all just men in prison, or give up war and slavery, the State will not hesitate which to choose. If a thousand men were not to pay their tax bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood.” (Thoreau P.7) Under these types of circumstances it seems rational for a citizen to break the law. It would be aggravating to continue to pay taxes to a government in support of war and racial segregation. It is yet another unjust law that does nothing to enhance the lives of
In 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. was asked to go to Birmingham to engage in a nonviolent direct-action program and was arrested as a result of this protest. A letter from several clergymen arrived to him during his incarceration criticizing his work as untimely and unwise. Martin Luther King responded to their critique in a “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and explained the necessity of his presence. He explains that his actions were thoroughly planned out. He used four basic steps to determine his actions, first he confirmed there was injustice in Birmingham, he tried to negotiate with Birmingham leaders, and considered the consequences of his actions. Finally, he concluded that direct-action was necessary and it could no longer wait. King’s letter explains how he rationalizes what nonviolent matters he can take while supporting his cause.
King directly responds to the clergymen’s concerns that King’s actions are untimely pointing out in his letter, “We know through painful …show more content…
He was also incarcerated and rationalized his intentions in his essay “Civil Disobedience.” He claims that the government is corrupt and that he doesn’t intend to pay taxes to the government when they are using the tax money to fund war. “If the alternative is to keep all just men in prison, or give up war and slavery, the State will not hesitate which to choose. If a thousand men were not to pay their tax bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood.” (Thoreau P.7) Under these types of circumstances it seems rational for a citizen to break the law. It would be aggravating to continue to pay taxes to a government in support of war and racial segregation. It is yet another unjust law that does nothing to enhance the lives of