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Rhetorical Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail

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Segregationist, Martin Luther King, Jr., in his letter “Letter from Birmingham Jail” emphasizes the need for integration and racial equality. After reading text written by clergymen, King felt the responsibility to explain his cause. He adapts a diplomatic tone in order to convince society to integrate and end racial injustice. King begins his letter by introducing the reason for being in Birmingham. “I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues against ‘outsiders coming in’.” The people of Birmingham do not consider African-Americans as one of them and do not think they should be there. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This suggests that everything is either directly or indirectly affected by another. “It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the city’s white power structure has left Negro community with no alternative.” As a result of the way they have been treated by the whites, they felt there was no other choice. King was in Birmingham because of the racial injustice. …show more content…

“Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.” Direct action dramatizes the issue making it impossible to ignore. “Segregation is not only politically, economically, and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful.” It does not matter how you look at the situation, because segregation is wrong for more than just one reason. "We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham and all over the nation, because the goal f America is freedom." As Americans our goal is to achieve and maintain freedom. Segregation is morally wrong and can be stopped through the means of direct

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