The Letter from Birmingham Jail

letter from Birmingham Jail was written on April 16, 1963 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was written in result to the objections of white southern men. This letter explains Martin Luther Kings actions and tries to clarify and explain his protest for desegregation was necessary and definitely not untimely. The letter explains why he was in jail, the improper acts against African Americans during the civil rights era, and the use of direct action to make a difference. Dr Kings letter stands as a modern classic of argumentation partially payable to his use of Aristotles three rhetorical supplications ethos, logos, and pathos.First of Aristotles three rhetorical appeals is ethos. Ethos is an appeal to the writers credibility. In Dr. Kings essay he used this appeal in this quote, But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to search to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms. (p. 212). King felt it was necessary for non-violent approach to be taken sp that communication could open between the two races. Through non-violent action, crisis is formed and communities are forced to confront the issue.King strongly believed the situation needed to be discussed rather than leftover as it was. Aristotles second appeal is logos. Logos is the appeal to logic. Martin Luther King was an excellent speaker and appealed to the logical side of most people. His essay took his knowledge and his genius of persuasion and summed up what he was working for and what he believed in. In Kings speech he wrote this, How does one determine whether a law is just or dirty? A law is a manmade code that squares with the lesson law or law of god. An unjust law is a code out of harmony with the moral law. (p. 215-216).He shows the difference between just and unjust appealing to the readers logical side. King believes that justice too long is justice denied. Freedom essential be demand ed by the oppressed because the oppressor never voluntarily gives it. Aristotles final rhetorical appeal is pathos. Pathos is the appeal to the readers emotion. In Kings Letter he wrote this, when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six year old daughter why she coin bank go to the amusement part that has just been advertised on television, and tears welling up in her eyes (p. 215).This quote really tugs on the readers emotions as he/she can visualize the little girl starting to cry. Kings letter was intended to erase the clouds of racial prejudice and gain some understanding of brotherhood to the communities throughout the Unites States. It is very difficult for a parent to concord to tell their child they cannot do something because of the discolor of their skin. It is a compassion that we were so hateful and small minded in the past, and all the suffering that had to happen before we finally realized that something so small as the color of your skin doesnt determine what kind of person someone is.King believes the message of integration is universal and anyone who lives in the United States cannot be considered an outsider regardless of race, color, religion, or creed. In The Letter from Birmingham Jail King used all three of Aristotles rhetorical appeals for classical argument. King used ethos to appeal to the writers credibility logos to appeal to the writers logic and pathos to appeal to the writers emotion. Martin Luther Kings goals have been met, but plainly to some extent.This writer views his letter as an influential part of history and a dramatic event that changes the Civil Rights Movement for the better. There is still evil by some and fear which fuels hatred by others. Letter from Birmingham Jail attempts to make racist people understand Kings urge for desegregation. He demonstrates the purpose behind the protest and its urgency by various examples throughout the letter. Its just so unfortunate that still today we have such small minded people even after Dr. Kings powerful letter.