Category: Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King Jr. played a big part in ending the legal segregation. He encouraged students to continue to use nonviolent methods during their protest. We even commemorate his life and achievements on his birthday. Martin Luther King Jr. played a big part in ending segregation.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. His actual name was Michael King Jr.. His dad was a minister and adopted the name Martin Luther King Sr. . It was in honor of the German protestant religious leader Martin Luther. Michael Jr. followed his father’s lead and adopted the name as well. His grandmother died when he was 12 years old. The cause of her death was a heart attack. This event traumatized Martin because he went out to watch a parade against his parents wishes when she died. Martin jumped from a second story window. He attempted suicide. He attended college at age 15. He skipped the 9th and 11th grade. He began to envision a career in the ministry. And the fall of his senior year, he told his father of his decision. He was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and the activist Bayard Rustin. One thing that was in-just that led to this event was when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus and was arrested.

The protest was against segregation in the US. Which is the separation of blacks and white Americans in public. The motive which started the protest was when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white person. Then she was arrested. Martin Luther King Jr. was chosen as the protest leader and official spokesman. Martin Luther King then propose a city boycott of public transportation. The protest was in Montgomery, on December 1, 1955. It lasted 381 days. They placed a severe economic strain on the public transit system and downtown business owners. The result of the boycott is that he played a big part in ending legal segregation. Some people that were harmed or punished is Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.. Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat. Martin Luther King Jr. was almost killed in the event that happened on September 20, 1958. Izola Ware Curry walked into a Harlem department store where MLK was signing books. She asked “Are you MLK?” (Curry)He replied yes and she stabbed him in the chest with a knife. King survived that. The attempted assassination reinforced his dedication to nonviolence. Later on he was assassinated.

Martin Luther King Junior’s act of disobedience did gain world attention. We even commemorate Martin Luther King Jr‘s birthday. He inspired students to continue to use nonviolent methods during their protest. People were influenced by his actions and wanted to do what he did. A negative result was Martin Luther King‘s death. He died on April 4, 1968. James Earl Ray shot and killed him. I think he did change the world since he played a big part in ending legal segregation. I feel like it did change lives by African-Americans not having to go through legal segregation. He influenced others to protest in nonviolence.This is a quote from his speech I have a dream,” I had a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” (King). Back then that dream might have seemed unrealistic but now we can see that things have changed. Another quote is “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”(King). King fought for his freedom from the laws and did as said. The last quote is ‘Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power; religion gives man wisdom which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.'(King). He spoke with control and wisdom. He didn’t do things with aggression and destruction instead he did things with peace and respect.

In conclusion, Martin Luther King Jr. help end segregation in a peaceful matter.

Works Cited

1. “Martin Luther King Jr.” Biography, 20 Aug. 2019, www.biography.com/activist/martin-luther-king-jr.
2. History.com Editors. “Martin Luther King, Jr.” History, 4 Sept. 2019, www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr.
3. Carson, C., & Lewis, D. (2019). Martin Luther King, Jr. | Biography & Facts. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Luther-King-Jr
4. Hutyra, H. (2019, May 27). 123 Of The Most Powerful Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes Ever. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from https://www.keepinspiring.me/martin-luther-king-jr-quotes/

According to the dictionary “Cultural icon refers to an object or an entity (an artifact) that highly represents a particular culture or subculture”. ICONs are a symbol of culture which are admired and respected by people, recognized by others, and equated with cultural events or effects. People who become an ICON strongly are influenced by society, shared experiences, ideas, and feelings. They became icons for lot of different reason. Some people are an ICON for their appearances such as Marilyn Monroe who is a beauty icon, Elvis Presley “rock and roll” icon, or movement and impressing speech such as Martin Luther King Junior who was Civil Rights Movement icon. Not too long ago the world was different as people see today, however one man started a revolution which helps people of numbers for a good cause and changed the word. Although some skeptical people criticize Martin Luther King Junior and do not believe that his dream was not fulfill, however for others Martin Luther King Junior is one of the biggest American icons and is considered as an American hero.

Martin Luther King Junior was a black African- American minister who fought for peoples rights. He was inspired by Gandhi, which won right and freedom in India by applying non violence action, and he wanted to do the same things in the United States.(The significant ). King was a person who wanted to help others and gave the same opportunity all people. No matter what was their color skin, religion, and color skin its. He was an advocate and friends for this who struggle with poverty, social justice and discrimination. (The legacy).

Martin Luther King Junior said “We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity.”(Stanford). King lived during segregation in America. Although the American Constitution guarantees all people the same right, Afro-Americans did not have equal opportunities and rights such as whites. Black people were treated like a lower class of people. They did not vote, access to medical help, education, and better jobs was limited for them. Furthermore, they earned less money for doing the same work as white people. Segregation was also in school, black kids did not play with white kids, used the same toilet or used tap water like white students. Times were different back then and it really was not that long ago. Moreover, black people could not take a seat in the bus whereas white person was close. For example, when Rosa Parks refused to give her seat for white person, she went to jail. Although American law did not establish that white people had priority to take a seat in the bus, she was punished because of her color skin. When she asked the officer why she was punished, he said “I do not know, but the law is law” (The significant.)

King believed that if people will act individually they can encourage more of the population to take their voice and it will be become powerful. He saw the problem and wanted to change the world. He realized that people were scared to act, because they were afraid to be punished for inappropriate behavior. So, he understood that African-American and low income class people need someone who will protect and support them. Moreover, he believed that “One real idea-powerful and vulture can change the world.”

Martin Luther King Junior wanted to impact for people by religious feeling, love and nonviolence actions. (The significant). In order to influence people, he started to have speeches in churches and had political and social messages that if people will act individually they can encourage more people to take their voice and become powerful.

King Junior was after Rosa refused to get her sit, Kings started to organize the Bus Boycott Movement, and the letter SCLC’s Birmingham Campaign. As a leader in the boycott movement, King made sermons and speeches. Also he provide sit-ins, stand-ins, meetings, and marches. (The Significant). During protest he was arrested and spent two weeks at prison. Although, Montgomery Buss Boycott Movement was successful for Civil Rights, segregation still existed. For example, in Alabama afro Americans were still discriminated. People who protested in Alabama were attacked by police which used dogs and braving water jets in order to stop them. After, these events, the government had to illegalize segregation. Moreover, King got more voice from people not only black but also white. He encouraged people to be more tolerant.

Their skin color, religion, origin, age should not discriminate people because everybody is different in in a lot of different ways. Moreover, the American constitution gives the same law for all people. Consequently, in March on Washington he gathered 250,000 people from different nationalities on the ground and millions in home watching television. During this speech King said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in nation there they will be not judged by color skin but the concept of their character” (https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/march-on-washington). In 1964 congress established that discrimination is illegal, and segregation become illegal.

King never stopped, he also criticized capitalism, and he wanted to increase a guarantee minimum payment.(Martin Lutter King Half Forgotten). Martin Luther King becomes an American icon because of his impressive speech and action. As a young man in 1964 he got a Nobel, and all money passed on the right movement. It is difficult to imagine that more than 60 years ago people experienced segregation and huge discrimination. In addition, his nonviolence movement was known around the world, and other countries such as Poland, the Philippines, South Africa, and China were inspirited and used nonviolence force in order to fight about their right. (The Legacy of MLK)

Although Kings action had a big impact on peoples life, racial discriminations still existed. Afro American still experience discrimination. For example, black people are more likely to be stop by a police officer and get pulled over, they have to waiting longer than white in a hospital, access to education better jobs and loans is still limited. Moreover, most of black people still live in a red districts which means that kids are studing in school which get less money from federal government. People experience discrimination in other way too, for example some people still believe that all Mossman are terrorist. Hovewer, there is no clear correlation between Muslim and terrorism because of not all of musulam are terrorist. People who has different religion became terrorist too. Furthermore, immigrants also experience discrimination. Some people still believe in myth about immigrants. Some people believe that immigrants take good work place in the united States, and they do not want to payed. However this is not true because majority of immigrants work for lower weight in place whihch native born American do not want to do. Although people every days experience discrimination they are not alone. Currently in the United States there is a lot of organization which support people who experience discrimination. Obama who was the first afro American presided said “Our work is not done”(The significal).

He had the same dream like King to change America and support people. He supported public service. For example, he created the program Obama Care which basic medical free helped for people who were not able to pay for their treatment. Furthermore, Obama created “Daka” which gave possibility for illegal immigrants to become legal and do this with low. Also he believes that increasing income will help to fill the American Dream, and he admitted that Washington March was for better jobs and justice (How Obama is). Nowadays, people still remember about Martin Luther King Junior the third Monday on January people celebrate federal Holiday “Martin Luther King Junior Day”. President Clinton singed this holiday as national day of community service (The Legacy of MLKJ). Also around the world is a lot of street which has the name of King.

In conclusion, people or things become icons for a lot of different reasons. Icon are admired and respected by populations over the word. Beginning icon because of changing the world is the same as beginning a hero. Some people still criticize Martin Luther King Junior, however he has also a lot of supporters. King influenced people by his speech, and non violent actions. Nobody, before King trad to change the word for lower class people. His impressive speech, open mind and heart not only afro Americans, but also white people. King fought for people which had to struggle with every days discrimination poverty, justice, and race. Although racism still exists these people today has their voice. The do not go to jail because they did not give a sit in bus. They have access to better jobs, education. This movement guarantee all people the same right and no discrimination.

Emmeline Pankhurst and Martin Luther King are famous political activists fighting for human rights. They play crucial roles in different movements. To my mind, Emmeline Pankhurst is a more effective leader. This essay will demonstrate their similarities being a leader as well as differences in terms of ways of gaining rights, public images and achievements. And I will give reasons of the similarities and differences. In addition, I will explain why in my opinion Emmeline Pankhurst is a more effective leader. At the end of the essay, I will make a conclusion.

Born in different times, the two civil-rights leaders who differ in gender and color share something in common. Both of them came from middle-class family. And their parents had great impact on them. They received good education, which laid foundation for their political pursuit and leadership in the movements. Besides, they established WSPU and SCLC respectively and led the members to protest for equality. During the movements, they had been arrested for more than once and been badly treated in prison. Instead of compromising and giving up, the two were always in the forefront of fighting. Both of them made a lot sacrifices. Martin Luther King even lost his life for his career.

For them, the most significant difference is their ways of gaining rights. Emmeline Pankhurst resorted to violence. She founded Women’s Social and Political Union which was quite an aggressive and radical group throughout the protests. They committed arson, smashed windows and destroyed property. When they were arrested, they went on hunger strikes, which led to force-feedings. But Martin Luther King advocated non-violence. “His policy of nonviolent protest, was the dominant force in the civil-rights movement during its decade of greatest achievement, from 1957 to 1968” (The life of Martin Luther King Jr, 2017).

The sharp distinction between them was mainly caused by their family background. Emmeline’ parents and husbands were all supportive of women’s suffrage and liberal. When she was just 14 years old, her mother took her to her first women’s suffrage meeting. However, King’s father was a pastor who believed in Christianity. “He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs”(The life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr, 2015). His religion belief along with Gandhi’s non-violent advocacy had great impact on him.

In addition, Emmeline Pankhurst and Martin Luther King are also different in public image. Martin Luther King was a civil-rights leader with good reputation, especially when the world-famous speech, “I Have a Dream”, was delivered. Time magazine designated him as its Person of the Year for 1963. And he was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Compared with King, Emmeline Pankhurst’s image did not remain consistent through the history. According to Maria (2018), although it drew huge amounts of publicity, many people were critical of WSPU’s deeds. So as the leader of a “militant” group, Emmeline Pankhurst was no doubt criticized by the public and the media for their wild behaviours. But things were different after the World War I. When the war came, what she did was “charging to the very government that had denied women the vote” (Rollyson, 2003). Due to the contributions in the war, her image gradually transformed from a fanatical suffragette into a hero fighting for her country and women’s rights.

Through their unremitting efforts, they have achieved some results in different degrees. Martin Luther King led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott which eventually made the Supreme Court declare buses segregation unconstitutional. In 1957, Martin Luther King helped found the South Cristian Leadership Conference which helped black people fight for equality. In 1963, he organized a march on Washington where he delivered a far-reaching speech, “I Have a Dream”. The march promoted the pass of Civil Right Act. Emmeline Pankhurst campaigned for women’s rights to vote. In 1918, shortly after Emmeline Pankhurst joined the war, the government granted them limited voting rights. And in 1928, the parliaments finally allowed women to have the same voting rights as men, which meant that Emmeline Pankhurst achieved her goal eventually.

Emmeline Pankhurst’s aim was to help women get the vote. In 1928, the year of her death, women had the same voting rights as men, which proved her success in the fight with the government. Martin Luther King have made great contributions to the equality of black people in southern part. However, his peaceful way did not work well in the northern part. And there’s still a long way to go for black people to have equal rights. They are both great and inspiring leaders, but I think Emmeline Pankhurst is more effective.

She is a women with strategy and, most importantly, the ability to access the situation. This can be reflected in her two essential choices. The first choice is changing suffragists’ peaceful way into violence. This was risky, for violence always obtained little support. However, without publicity, the government would not attach great importance in the matter, so violence might be the most immediate and effective way to draw people’s attention at that time. The second crucial choice is giving up the fight and helping country with the war. The move was of great significance. On the one hand, it could transform her image and help gain more support, because she put country’s interest in the first place; on the other hand, the choice together with her previous radical behaviours could demonstrate that she was a wise woman who desperately expect equal rights rather than a crazy lady who might have lost her mind. According to Rollyson, “WSPU slogan during the war is that we buried the hatchet, but we know where to find it ’’ (2003). From it, we can see that the move also had its strategic meaning.

In conclusion, as leaders campaigning for human rights, Emmeline Pankhurst is more effective than Martin Luther King. Her ways of gaining rights and strategic insight make her finally achieve her goal. Martin Luther King is eloquent and persistent. But comparatively, he is not that flexible. During the course of the movement, he sticks to his non-violent way which does achieve certain results. However, sometimes a leader should change his or her strategy if it can not reach the final goal or gradually becomes ineffective, because with a movement advancing, the society and some important social factors are changing too.

References

1. Maria, Libelt (2018) The Militant Feminist Movement in England, 1900-1918. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/ (Accessed: 1 December 2019)
2. Rollyson, Carl (2003) A Conservative Revolutionary: Emmeline Pankhurst (1857-1928), Spring 2003. Vol.79 (2)
3. The life of Martin Luther King Jr. (2017) Available at: http://projects.seattletimes.com/mlk/bio.htm#life (Accessed: 1 December 2019).
4. The life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. (2015) Available at: https://newpittsburghcourier.com/ (Accessed: 1 December 2019)

This essay delves into the life, accomplishments, and enduring legacy of one of the most influential figures in American history, Martin Luther King Jr. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, King emerged as a seminal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. With an unyielding commitment to nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, he provided a moral compass for a nation in turmoil. He became an iconic symbol of the fight for racial equality.

King is most recognized for his “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the historic March on Washington in 1963. However, his contributions extend far beyond a singular oration. He was a beacon of hope and change, embodying the strength and resilience of millions of African Americans who yearned for equality in an era of systemic racial discrimination. This essay explores King’s journey from his early life to his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the significance of his strategies, leadership, and lasting impact on American society. In an era that still grapples with issues of race and inequality, Martin Luther King Jr.’s message is as poignant and relevant as ever.

Reason for Martin Luther King to Be Famous

Martin Luther King Jr.’s fame emanates from his fundamental role in the American Civil Rights Movement of the mid-twentieth century. He transformed the Movement with his unique approach of peaceful resistance and civil disobedience, principles derived from his Christian beliefs and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. King’s eloquence in expressing the plight of African Americans and his ability to galvanize national and international support for the cause of racial justice made him a standout figure in the fight for civil rights.

King is most celebrated for his “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, he captured the hearts and minds of millions, articulating a vision of a future where his children would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” This speech, broadcast live to a national audience, resonated powerfully across racial lines, inspiring a generation to strive for a more equitable America.

Beyond his speeches, King was instrumental in pushing through significant legislative changes. His efforts led directly to the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation in public places and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The following year, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, eliminating discriminatory voting practices. These landmark legislations are fundamental to King’s legacy and continue to shape American society.

Finally, King’s fame was further amplified when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, making him the youngest person at the time to receive this prestigious honor. The Nobel Committee recognized his contribution to the struggle for racial equality through nonviolent resistance. Despite the risk to his own life, King remained steadfast in his commitment to nonviolence, making his leadership both inspiring and transformative.

Impact of King

The impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work has resonated across generations, transforming not just the United States but influencing movements for justice worldwide. His influence, however, extends beyond the fight for racial equality.

In the sphere of racial justice, King’s leadership led to the passage of transformative laws that fundamentally altered the social fabric of America. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, both of which King tirelessly campaigned for, outlawed discriminatory practices that had sustained racial segregation and disenfranchisement. His work helped reshape the legal landscape, conferring rights and protections that remain vital for African Americans today.

King’s influence was also profound in how protests and civil movements were conducted. His unwavering commitment to nonviolence introduced a powerful method of peaceful resistance, disrupting oppressive systems without resorting to violence. The philosophy of nonviolent resistance has been adopted by numerous movements across the world, from the fight against apartheid in South Africa to recent protests for democratic rights.

Furthermore, King’s impact is evident in the realm of social justice more broadly. He spoke against economic inequality and the impacts of war, highlighting the intersectionality of social issues. His Poor People’s Campaign aimed to address economic injustice, calling for a “revolution of values” in America. And towards the end of his life, he became an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War, standing for peace and arguing that resources spent on conflict could better be used to address domestic social issues.

The influence of Martin Luther King Jr. is far-reaching, extending beyond the Civil Rights Movement he is most commonly associated with. His life and work have left a profound impact, inspiring countless individuals to challenge injustice and fight for equality and rights, ensuring his place as a timeless icon of social justice.

Humanitarian and Civil Rights Work

Martin Luther King Jr.’s contribution to humanitarian and civil rights work is unparalleled. His leadership during the American Civil Rights Movement led to groundbreaking advancements in the fight against racial inequality. King’s commitment to nonviolence as a means to achieve social and political change added a new dimension to humanitarian activism, one that sought to uphold human dignity even in protest.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest in 1955, was one of King’s early successful campaigns. As the newly elected leader of the Montgomery Improvement Association, King rallied the African American community for a 381-day boycott of the city buses. This action, rooted in peaceful protest, resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

Perhaps King’s most significant humanitarian endeavor was the 1963 March on Washington. With over 250,000 attendees, it was a landmark event in American history. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech from this event remains a testament to his vision of a world free from racial discrimination.

King also established the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization that played a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement. The SCLC organized protests and voter registration drives and advocated for African American rights at a legislative level.

In his later years, King broadened his focus to include economic inequality, launching the Poor People’s Campaign. He strived for a more equitable distribution of wealth, further solidifying his commitment to humanitarian ideals. Despite his untimely death, King’s legacy in humanitarian and civil rights work endures, continuing to inspire future generations in their pursuit of justice and equality.

Death and Memorial

Tragically, Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was cut short on April 4, 1968, when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. His untimely death shocked the nation and sent shockwaves through the Civil Rights Movement. The loss of King was not only a personal tragedy for his family and loved ones but also a profound loss for the entire nation and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Following his assassination, the nation mourned the loss of a charismatic and visionary leader who had become a symbol of hope and progress. Riots erupted in many cities across the United States as a response to the deep sense of grief and anger felt by those who had been inspired by King’s message of nonviolence and equality. His death highlighted the ongoing racial tensions and the urgent need for progress.

In the wake of this tragedy, efforts were made to preserve King’s memory and ensure his legacy would endure. In 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday, commemorating his birthday on January 15th. It serves as a reminder of his contributions to the civil rights movement and his commitment to justice.

A significant memorial to King was dedicated in Washington, D.C. in 2011. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial stands as a tribute to his life and work. The memorial features a towering statue of King, symbolizing his strength and determination, while the “Stone of Hope” serves as a reminder of the ideals he championed.

Furthermore, King’s childhood home in Atlanta, Georgia, has been preserved as a National Historic Site. Visitors can explore the house and gain insight into his early life and the experiences that shaped him into the leader he became.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s death was a devastating blow to the civil rights movement, but his memory and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. His assassination galvanized the fight for equality and justice, further propelling the movement towards lasting change. His memorial and the annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day are enduring reminders of his indelible impact on American history and his ongoing influence in pursuing a more just society.

Conclusion

Martin Luther King Jr.’s indomitable spirit, unwavering commitment to nonviolence, and tireless advocacy for civil rights have left an indelible mark on American history. His famous speeches, strategic leadership, and dedication to humanitarian causes have inspired generations to stand up against injustice and fight for equality. Though his life was tragically cut short, King’s legacy endures, reminding us of the power of love, unity, and the ongoing quest for a more just and inclusive society. His words and actions continue to shape our collective conscience, serving as a guiding light towards a better future.

‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop’ by Martin Luther King Jr. is a remarkable moving speech that emphasized the fight for racial equality and the unfortunate reality of society. On April 3, 1968, he delivered what would be his final speech, ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop’, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters). Most of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches were centered on peaceful ways to change the unfair treatment and segregation of African Americans. His hope and overall objective were to use these methods of nonviolent protest so that the people of America, blacks and whites included, would unite and treat each other as equals. The King was able to deliver his powerful message of peace by using metaphors and different analogies that people could easily relate to. By doing this, he created an intense call to action that successfully accomplished his objective. Dr. King’s speech eventually led to the gradual acceptance of African Americans, but it also gave new freedom to those who were once discriminated against.

Martin Luther chose his words very carefully, creating a sense of pathos in his audience. He used words such as ‘freedom’, ‘victory’, and ‘rightful place’. I certainly assert that all people across all types of society would fight for those. These idealistic words create a dream that is shared by his entire audience. However, the words would have less of an impact if not for his use of pauses. Dr. King spoke slowly and with great passion, making his words sink in and become that much more significant to his audience. One quote Dr. King used that stood out to me: “If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the twentieth century, I will be happy”. This quote is effective because he is saying that he would like to live long enough to see America change. But ironically, Dr. King is assassinated just the day after the speech is delivered. This quote explains that not just he wants to live long enough to see the country change, but all blacks would like to live long enough to see the country change.

Upon starting his speech, Dr. King immediately dives into the issues that he planned on addressing. He explains how he would want America to be by using metaphors such as: “I would take my mental flight by Egypt and I would watch God’s children in their magnificent trek from the dark dungeons of Egypt through, or rather across the Red Sea, through the wilderness on toward the promised land. And despite its magnificence, I wouldn’t stop there”. The sanitation workers were the lowest of the low, mocked as ‘walking buzzards’, King acknowledges the difficulties of the sanitation workers. King immediately elevates them by including them in a great sweep of history and implicitly linking them to the biblical Exodus, making them God’s chosen people.

Martin Luther King wants to convey that he has strong hope for America to change its prejudicial ways. He believes that with the help of everyone in their local communities, we can all come together to obtain equality for people of all races. Dr. King uses an abundance of poetic techniques throughout his speech. His repetitive phrase, “If I had sneezed”, gives his speech a personal style while conveying his metaphor for death. Since death is a very common occurrence in people’s lives, Dr. King was able to relate himself and his personal memories to the memories of others.

Dr. King explains to his audience that when the Pharaoh wanted to prolong the period of slavery, all he had to do was keep the slaves fighting among themselves. But when the slaves united, that was the beginning of getting out of slavery. Thus, the civil rights community must stay unified to achieve what they want. Basically, Dr. King’s message here is a phrase that we have all probably heard before: “United we stand, divided we fall”. Still, in the past, King next reminds his audience of their success in Birmingham, Alabama. Through these remarks, King restores their faith, telling them that they had done it once, so there was no reason why they couldn’t successfully protest again. To explain his intentions for how they should go about protesting this time, King first deems it necessary to reassure his audience of the First Amendment privileges that they should receive for living in the United States. To do so, he uses the rhetorical device of repetition for the third time by saying that “Somewhere I [he] read” about certain freedoms that all citizens should be granted – multiple indirect references to the Constitution’s Bill of Rights. In the end, he says, “Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right”, brilliantly adding a play on words that further embellishes the rhythmic manner of his speech. He is simply appealing to logos again in this instance by recalling words from one of the most important documents in the country’s history, he is providing factual justification for the nonviolent protests he is about to share.

Doctor King uses logos and the momentum from his speech to urge his audience to do something. He gives careful guidelines, such as remaining nonviolent and patient, while encouraging unity. He gives an in-depth description of what it means to care more about your brother than yourself and leaves his audience with a message of hope. Dr. King uses this appeal to persuade those who believed in him. “For everybody to see that there are thirteen hundred of God’s children here suffering, sometimes going hungry, going through dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out” – is a quote that appeals to rational thoughts. People more interested in logic are most likely moved by this quote because it exposes the truth behind segregation. Children are going hungry every night, and more are dying of starvation because white people don’t bother to feed or pay attention to these children. This quote was a powerful call to action.

Throughout U.S. history, there have been many ordeals to take place outside the U.S.A’s jurisdiction. When situations occur outside the U.S., many would assume that the U.S.’s involvement would be at a staggering zero percent. Unfortunately, most times, when things do happen outside the American borders, the U.S. is one of the first countries to join another countries fight. When things like this take place within a country, the citizens have a right to know! When the Vietnam War took place, it was such a surprise that it took the country to devastating poverty rates.

Vietnam War’s Toll: Robbing Innocent Children’s Futures

But when both Dr.Martin Luther King Jr and Shirley Chisholm wrote and spoke their speeches on what had happened, it was evident that their speeches were talking about how the war “robbed” innocent children’s well-being in order to have a successful war and when taking damages caused from foreign countries conflicts, it seems that all americans should know and understand conflicts/problems that are vital to their life.

First off, when thinking, one of the largest disadvantages caused by the Vietnam War that was stated in both speeches would be the “robbed” of innocent children’s well-being. Chisholm mentioned, “As a teacher, and as a woman, I do not think I will ever understand what kind of values can be involved in spending $9 billion and more, I am sure – on elaborate, unnecessary, and impractical weapons when several thousand disadvantaged children in the nation’s capital get nothing.” “Two more years. Two more years of hunger for Americans, of death for our best young men, of children here at home, suffering the lifelong handicap of not having a good education when they are young.

Chisholm and King Decry Diversion of Funds from Education to Warfare

Two more years of high taxes collected to feed the cancerous growth of a Defense Department budget that now consumes two-thirds of our federal income.” By Chisholm adding this in her speech, she shows how the government is taking from these innocent children who have no say in what is going on. They are legitimately taking these kids’ future by using money that should be for their education and food but is being used for materials for war.

To add to how these children were robbed of a bright future, King mentioned, “Perhaps a more tragic recognition of reality took place when it became clear to me that the war was doing far more than devastating the hopes of the poor at home. It was sending their sons and their brothers and their husbands to fight and die in extraordinarily high proportions relative to the rest of the population. With the war going on in Vietnam, it is seen that the government is taking money from public education and putting it toward the war effort.

The government doing this shows why young boys and men had to die for the war efforts because by doing so, their families would receive the money that the government stole from the public back for their services. Looking at how money used for war efforts can affect the public and its people makes it important to put things like this in the paper because this will help the people prepare for what is to come to all of them.

References

1. U.S. Department of History. (2020). American Involvements in International Conflicts. U.S. Government Publishing Office.

Martin Luther and the Battle Against Church Corruption

Martin Luther, born in Germany in 1483, grew up to be a monk, priest, Theology professor, and an important figure in the protestant reformation movement. He originally became a monk because of his concern for salvation. This all led him to become a Theology professor, and through his teachings, he questioned and judged some of the Catholic church’s actions, which led him to break into unity in the 16th century. More focused on his theology, he wanted to call out the church for misinterpreting the Bible. Additionally, his central belief was that one’s focus should be on following a literal translation of the Bible.

Martin Luther was also well known for his writings against the church. As a cause of this, the church found itself rifle with corruption and facing an onslaught of criticism. Unlike others who were also calling for reform, Luther decided to take a stronger approach and heavily attack the actual papal authority. ‘Therefore, when necessity demands it, and the pope is an offense to Christendom, the first man who is able should, as a true member of the whole body, do what he can to bring about a truly free council.”

Luther used his writings to strongly criticize the papacy’s abundant corruption. He felt the church abused its power to appoint themselves to higher political positions of power within and outside the church and also used nepotism to appoint their friends and family to positions of power. Additionally, Luther was also widely known to criticize the selling of indulgences by the church as well as their opulent wealth. His writings became a basis for the Reformation movement.

Martin Luther: Challenging the Church’s Power and Doctrine

Furthermore, because Luther was such a controversial figure with a lot of loyal followers, I decided to ask him the following questions:

1. Being both a Monk and a priest, why did you decide to attack the catholic church so directly?

I became appalled by the glaring religious hypocrisy of the religious leaders. I also saw a break off in the way catholic religion was practiced. The Bible was intended to be a literal guide for Christians and should not be opened to interpretation. The true intention of the church, as is clearly dictated in the Bible, was to live a pious life. It is evident the popes used their power for their own advancement. For example, the practice of church leaders being entwined in politics. By finagling their way into positions of power, they manipulated themselves into untouchable positions. By attaining wealth from their own people, the church’s corruption grew, and the teachings of the Bible changed to whatever benefited their personal agenda, which isn’t correct. In addition, I don’t believe the Bible is not and should not be open to interpretation because it is evident it can lead to corruption and false beliefs.

2. What led you to believe the church was corrupt?

The opulent wealth of the church hierarchy. Throughout my studies on Theology in the church, I recognized that Jesus lived a simple, pious, and caring life, which the church clearly did not. I believe Christianity needs to return to its roots and follow a literal translation of the Bible. There is nothing in the Bible about selling indulgences. There is nothing about condemning those who speak out against you, and clearly, Jesus intended for his followers to live a simple, kind life.

With this said, the Bible should not be left for interpretation. This just leaves too much room for error. One cannot simply go to heaven because of one’s good deeds. Only faith can save you, “The word of god cannot be received and cherished by any works whatever but only by faith.” However, this does not mean they aren’t an important role in the Bible, but they are separate from faith in God. Furthermore, the primary message of Christianity is to love thy neighbor and have faith.

3. Considering that people who spoke out against the Catholic church were quickly labeled heretics and potentially killed, how did you begin the incredibly dangerous journey of seeking followers, spreading your message, and seeking to challenge the incredible power of the catholic church?

I began compiling and summarizing my thoughts in order to send them out to prominent members of the catholic church. One of my most notable works written in 1517 was; “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences,” also known as the 95 Theses, which I wrote in order to protest the selling of indulgences. By writing about these injustices, the printing press distributed a lot of my copies, which made it easier to spread my ideas. In the 95 theses, I advocated for the truth in which I know to believe that salvation is achieved not through good works or acts but merely by a predetermined gift from God due to faith. ‘Papal indulgences do not remove guilt. Beware of those who say that indulgences affect reconciliation with God. He who is contrite has plenary remission of guilt and penalty without indulgences.

The pope can only remove those penalties which he himself has imposed on earth, for Christ did not say, ‘Whatsoever I have bound you may lose on earth (Uncommon travel Germany).” With this said the pope has no power over the afterlife. Additionally, I didn’t want to “attack” the church and rebel against them as some would say instead I wanted to change their views on indulgences but when they accused me of Heresy and wanted me to recant my statements I simple could not. It is clear that my writings are supported by the Bible. This is how I am certain of my beliefs. Moreover, I will never recant my statements because they’re taken straight from the source. This is why I knew I was right and nothing but God himself can change my mind.

4. Clearly, leadership is an integral part of a religious organization. Can you elaborate on the errors you saw in the Catholic Church? How do you believe Christianity should be organized?

I did not see a need for one ruler. There is not a church government laid out in the Bible. I originally thought that Catholic leaders had simply lost their way, but as I attempted to bring light to these hypocrisies that myself and many others found so blaring, I realized the true extent of the problem. The Catholic hierarchy has completely lost touch with the true meaning of Christianity, and I dare to claim the pope is the antichrist.

Any foundation of Christianity must be found in the Bible, and to have a leadership *Martin Luther does air quotes with his fingers* that is steering so many away from salvation is evil. Additionally, as I’ve stated before, the Bible is not open to interpretation; that just leaves too much for error. It is a guide that must be followed as written.5. After being labeled a Heretic, excommunicated by the catholic church, and put on trial, why did you decide not to recant your statements accusing the church of having opulent wealth and also refused to repudiate your published works? In addition, how did you manage to escape execution?

Martin Luther: Using the Press to Challenge Church Corruption

Firstly, the widespread of the printing press made it easier to spread my writings. This led me to gain a substantial amount of followers with similar ideas to my own. Some very important people. One of my loyal followers was Frederick the Wise, the elector of Saxony, who supported me and defended me against the church. After being put on trial for Heresy, I knew I could not back down because I just couldn’t allow the Catholic church to continue to tarnish the Bible through its false teachings. I felt it was my duty to speak out because, as a member of the catholic church, it is my duty to do what I know is right, and if I didn’t, I was an accomplice to the church’s wrongdoings.

I did this by educating my students through my lectures on Theology and through various of my published works, including my most famous and more critical, “The 95 Theses.” It was more than clear how dishonest and unprincipled the church had become, and if you don’t believe me or haven’t realized this, then, “Why does not the pope, whose wealth today is greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build the basilica of St. Peter with his own money rather than with the money of poor believers?.”

In addition, this led me to bring my concerns to the church leaders, but when my concerns were dismissed, I feared the church had become too corrupt and too powerful to realize their wrongdoings, so after being put on trial and awaiting my execution, Frederick and his army kidnapped me to keep me from being executed and to keep my ideas alive by allowing me to live to continue publishing my teachings.

Martin Luther: The Bold Architect of Reformation

More so, Martin Luther is a very important person whose beliefs were the central foundation of the protestant reformation, a religious movement in the 16th century that protested Christianity and created new protestant churches with different viewpoints. This was so revolutionary it helped shape religion, and still, to this time, his ideas remain as influential and powerful as ever. He not only opposed the catholic church for its corrupt actions (selling of indulgences, opulent wealth, nepotism, and more) but also challenged its teachings, knowing the harsh repercussions that could result from this.

Since the catholic church was so prevalent and powerful at this time, anyone who opposed them could be labeled Heretics. This meant they could be excommunicated and even killed. This is what was destined to happen to Luther if it hadn’t been for his many loyal and powerful followers who also believed in the injustices the church had committed and, therefore, wanted Luther to keep spreading his message.

In conclusion, “Martin Luther did not intend to start a movement away from the church of which he was a part. His intent was to reform, to change. His efforts were met with resistance. Instead of reforming, the church excommunicated Luther.” As an effect, this caused Luther to rebel and challenge the church. Even when on trial, he did not recant, sincerely believing his statements rang true and faithfully believing God was by his side. Furthermore, thanks to Luther’s widespread teachings, the protestant religion has over 900 million members in numerous countries around the world.

References

1. “Martin Luther and the 96 Theses.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 29 Oct. 2009.
2. “Martin Luther on Papal Power, Justification by Faith, Interpretation of the Bible and the Nature of the Clergy.”
3. Zucker, Steven, and Beth Harris. “An Introduction to the Protestant Reformation.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy.
4. “Justification by Faith.” Sources of the Western Tradition. From the Renaissance to the Present, by Marvin Perry and Howard E. Negrin, 9th ed.
5. Woodard, Colin. “The Power of Luther’s Printing Press.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 18 Dec. 2015.
6. “The 95 Theses: A Summary.” Uncommon Travel Germany.
7. Hillerbrand, Hans J. “Martin Luther.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 16 Oct. 2018.

Luther on the Devil’s Role in Society

“Out of special hatred for our faith, the devil has sent some whores here to destroy our poor young men. Such syphilitic whore can poison ten, twenty, thirty, or more of the children of good people, and this is to be considered a murderer, or worse, as a poisoner.” Luther firmly believed in witches and the work of the devil, but his ideas about them were portrayed by what he thought about each one individually. Luther did not directly come out with any treatises that referred directly to witches or witchcraft, but instead, he would speak through his Biblical references in order to get his ideas across.

Luther’s attitudes toward women practicing witchcraft were influenced by his thoughts on women and their role in the family, the devil’s impact, and superstitions that are tied to witchcraft. Martin Luther believed that the role women played in the family had a significant impact on whether they became witches or not. Women were more likely to become witches in the sense that they were usually more sexual than men, which was because their sex drive increased throughout their lives. This would cause the menopausal stage of their life to become the most susceptible to when the devil would force himself upon them.

Women in these early Modern European communities would often have jobs as cooks, midwives, or even healers. These jobs, in turn, would lead people to believe that they were practicing magic, specifically as a cook and having access to herbs for magical purposes. Luther’s earliest sermons would focus solely on the sexuality of women, specifically those who were older. “During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries between 100,000 and 200,000 people were officially tried. Of these, about 80-85 percent were women, though this percentage varied throughout Europe.”

Women during the 16th century were extremely convinced that they could gain power so much that they would be able to actually practice magic, but this would be an illusion put forth by the devil himself. Luther responds to I Peter 3:1-7 by stating that God created women in order to become the wife to men, and not only that, but they are weaker than men, so they should not be able to deal with problems that occur in life. The husband must also treat the woman like a child in the sense of having to educate her and that her only role in life is to provide offspring for the male.

Women’s Roles as Per Martin Luther

Women have the ability to seduce and humiliate men in such a way that one would think it was witchcraft. Luther begins to develop the idea that women only have one true calling, and that is marriage. He replies to the comments on I Peter, 3:6: “As Sara obeyed Abraham and called him Lord whose daughters you are as long as you do well and not give in to shyness” by stating, “It is commonly the nature of women to be timid and to be afraid of everything. This is why they busy themselves so much with witchcraft and superstitions.” Women practice witchcraft in order to lessen themselves from the notion of fear, but without realizing it, they are only setting themselves up to be more fearful.

Luther continues by advising women to overcome their fears and to not give into witchcraft.” He believes that women should simply accept their fate of being housewives and that becoming a good Christian or falling into the hands of the devil is strictly up to her. Luther does not think that a woman becomes bad because of nature but simply because she refuses to become a good housewife. The ‘bad’ women who become witches deny their role in society and religion.

“The incidents of witchcraft he related often involved food preparation or the care of animals and children, all areas of life over which women had control.” Luther preaches in his sermon on Exodus, “You shall not permit a female sorcerer to live. None of them should take advantage of the holy things of Christians. If you should see such women look away, for they have diabolical faces. Therefore, let them be killed.”

Luther’s Personal Encounters with Evil

Martin Luther, during his time, was convinced that the devil exists and that the devil himself is the reason behind witchcraft. The devil is almost always described as a male rather than a female. Christian thinkers during this time in certain parts of Europe would often view witchcraft as making a pact with the devil and completing tasks that he wanted to be done. Devil worshipping became the default implication rather than doing evil deeds for the devil, but this would eventually be put to rest, and instead, people would believe that witches would engage in a sexual orgy with the devil and fly to meetings called sabbats. Some demonological theorists would come to believe that witches were forming a conspiracy to overthrow Christianity, which would eventually lead to witches becoming an enemy of God.

When it came to the devil and Christ, Luther believed in both of them. One would resemble Christianity, while the other would be more of a disease to society. Martin Luther would consider the power of the devil to be extremely serious and would eventually comment on the matter in his commentary on Galatians in 1535 by stating, “For it is undeniable that the evil lives, yes, rules, in all the world. Therefore, witchcraft and sorcery are the works of the devil, by which he not only injures people but sometimes, with God’s permission, destroys them.” Luther had been known for reporting physical encounters with the devil. He would report about everyone being subject to the devil, and the devil is considered the whole world. Luther told a story about how the devil torments people through witches, and his mother would come in contact with a witch, her neighbor, whom she remained nice and friendly at all times. He claims that the witch cast a spell over children so that if they were to scream, they would be close to death.

Luther’s Stand against Witches & Evil

According to Luther, Satan would be dangerous to a person both physically and mentally, which is how he would be able to get into the minds of these older women and convince them to do his tasks for him. At one point, Luther would say that all witches were whores and that they should all be burned. Luther believed that Satan could take the form of either a man or a woman, and in his Lecture on Genesis, he states that “If with God’s permission, the devil can take possession of an entire human being and change his disposition, what would be so remarkable about misshaping the body and bringing about the birth of either blind or crippled children?”

The devil is known to have sexual relations with his witches, but he is unable to have children with them for the reason that God is the sole creator of human beings. According to Luther, weather witches like to confuse women who have just given childbirth by lying down in the place of the child and acting worse than the normal child by crying, eating, etc. Luther claims to know an example of this, where the devil laid down in the place of the child and began to cry. The mother was sucked dry, so she could no longer feed him, and the father found another woman to nurse the child (devil), and so till a fifth nurse came. The parents were so confused about what to do with their child that they were told to bring him to Halberstadt. The father proceeded to take the child to the city when he came across a bridge. A devil in the water shouted, and the son replied, which shocked the father, so he threw his son into the water, and the two devils began to laugh at the man.

The 1520s were some very dark and stressful times, and Luther began to realize that this was a time in which he struggled with the devil for Christian truth and accepted that maybe the role of the devil should be used as a teaching of truth. He continued by saying that if anyone struggles with the devil and gives up in battle, they would have given themselves peace with the devil. Many of the prosecutions that were occurring during this time were occurring after the maleficent witchcraft had ended. Much of these prosecutions involved white magic and superstition, and the courts believed that the ones being accused had been involved with the devil. In Luther’s Sermon on the Ten Commandments, he states, “For the devil holds the female sex organ as his servant, so that he admits it to his holy rites, proclaims his laws and sows his superstitions through it, in every way contrary to God.”

Luther on Superstitions & Truth

Of almost all of Luther’s works, there is one in particular that discusses his attitudes toward superstitions, and that would be his Exposition of the Ten Commandments, in which he spoke to the people of Wittenberg. Luther would begin his movement toward superstition by dividing by age groups, enumerating superstitions that were typically practiced or believed in, for example, young adults and older people. Young adult superstitions would be involved with things such as the enchantment of weapons so that they would not hurt their owners. These young adults would also carry amulets, which would protect the wearer from injury or misfortune. They would also participate in love magic, which would allow the person to keep their partner, which included seeing the final results of their relationship.

Luther’s second category of superstitions would belong to those who were married and had children. He would continue to talk about how these children would eventually come down with illness or disease and that they would then be cured by superstitious beliefs. Luther has dealt with superstitions in so many different ways, including old women engaging with the demons and the devil, which classifies them as a witch. He would begin to blame older women for putting bizarre ideas into the minds of others, which in turn would cause them to go insane.

Protestants believed that all Christians should strive for extraordinary lives while at the same time being able to learn all of the Christian faiths and proper forms of worship. The main reason they believed in this was they hoped to eliminate all the superstitious beliefs and practices. They wanted to rid their lives of magic and paganism, which included exorcisms, amulets, or charms to protect themselves. The protestants would eventually lead to an increase in witch prosecutions, which would develop into two different ideas.

The first idea was based on witches who practiced white magic would also have engaged in maleficent witchcraft. These witches would usually be treated in such a way that they would be classified as more forgiving. In the 1580s, the courts increased their attention toward superstitions, magic, and sorcery, which would lead to an increased amount of persecutions of witchcraft. The second way would involve the attack on superstitions and how it increased significantly due to amount of victims that were deprived of sorcery or weapons that they used in order to protect themselves from witches.

According to Luther’s sermon on the Ten Commandments, he stated that “feminine priesthood had prevailed and it had filled these lands with innumerable superstitions, charms, and frivolous teachings, which for a long time people have feared more than the laws and rights of the masculine and divine priesthood.” These women who practice such methods would sometimes be even more feared than men. Luther refers back to the superstitious ideas that perceive women and states that the only one who can list all these ideas would be the first woman, Eve and that she is the one who should be made fun of.

Devil, Women & Witchcraft: Luther’s Take

Martin Luther, over the years in his sermons, would constantly refer back to witches, the devil, and even superstitions. All of which played a significant role in the life of the witchcraft. Every single one of these ideas in witchcraft ties into one another in such a way that you cannot have one without the other. The devil was often portrayed as a man and would become known for manipulating women into doing his dirty work for him, and it was often said that these women would engage in sexual activities with the devil.

The devil was the type of being that could do virtually anything and shape into anything from animals to people. The devil would usually focus on women due to them being more submissive than men, which included them being weaker, less intelligent, etc. The devil would also have an influence on the way women saw themselves. They were sometimes confused about what they should be doing, so they wanted to keep themselves busy, which often led to witchcraft. The superstitions that came tied to witchcraft were very far-fetched and would lead Luther to believe that they were not really true, some of which included children becoming ill and then magically being cured. Martin Luther believed that witches should be burned for their actions, but over time, as he realized the influence the devil had on them, he tried to convince women not to give into devilish activities and to accept their role as a housewife.

References

1. Brecht, M. (1993). Martin Luther: His Road to Reformation 1483-1521. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
2. Erikson, E. H. (1958). Young Man Luther: A Study in Psychoanalysis and History. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
3. Luther, M. (1526). Sermon on the Ten Commandments. Wittenberg: Johann Grünenberg Press.
4. Oberman, H. A. (1989). Luther: Man Between God and the Devil. New York: Doubleday.
5. Roper, L. (1994). The Witch in the Western Imagination. Virginia: University of Virginia Press.
6. Russell, J. B. (1972). Witchcraft in the Middle Ages. New York: Cornell University Press.

“I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the way our world is made. No individual or nation can stand out boasting of being independent. We are interdependent” (1959). Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life towards helping others and believing that there was something bigger than himself, due to his family’s long tenure as pastors of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, which started with his grandfather in 1914, and where King served as co-pastor with his father from 1960 until his death on fourth of April, 1968. His faith fuelled him towards his protesting for black people in America as well and his want to lead others for human rights whenever there was injustice whether it was local or global.

Ever since he was a young child, Martin Luther King Jr. was an incredibly bright person and he was admitted into Morehouse College at age 15 (“Martin Luther King, Jr.: Timeline.” Research Guides,). He got intrigued by social liberties, because of Gandhi’s strategy of peacefulness which he found and turned out to be very intrigued when he ventured out to India with his better half, Coretta Scott King, and met with Muhammad Jinnah. Following the increase of a significant triumph in the Bus Boycott of 1956, when the deserting of the transport benefits by dark individuals prompted their integration, King became the leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957. The beliefs for this association originated from Christianity, anyway the methods for peacefulness from Gandhi (The Nobel Peace Prize 1964.). His arrangement of peacefulness brought about his capture multiple times, and he was and by mishandled multiple times as a result of it. From 1957 to 1968, King visited more than 6,000,000 miles to convey more than over two thousand talks and to address 200 and fifty thousand with his ‘I have a dream speech. In spite of the fact that King turned into a nonentity for dark people in dissenter America, he was likewise a nonentity for human rights at whatever point there was foul play, regardless of whether it was locally, broadly, or internationally.

The King family had been living in Montgomery for not exactly a year when the seriously unintegrated city turned into the preeminent pinpoint of the brief increment of the battle for social equality in America, stirred by the milestone Brown v. Leading group of Education finish of 1954. On the first of December in 1955, Rosa Parks, secretary of the locale section of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), would not hand over her seat to a white traveler on a Montgomery transport and was captured. Activists composed a transport blacklist that would proceed for 381 days. The Montgomery Bus Boycott set an extreme monetary strain on the overall population travel framework and downtown close by entrepreneurs. They chose Martin Luther King, Jr. to be the pioneer of this dissent just as being the official representative. When the Supreme Court administered separate seating on open transports disallowed in November 1956, King had entered the national spotlight as a persuasive supporter of sorted out, peaceful opposition.

King had moreover become an objective for racial oppressors, who had firebombed his family home that January. On the twentieth of September 1958, Izola Ware Curry strolled into a Harlem retail chain where King was marking books and asked, ‘Are you, Martin Luther King?’ When he answered ‘yes,’ she wounded him in the chest with a blade. King survived, and furthermore, the attempted death exclusively reinforced his commitment to aloof obstruction: “The experience of these last few days has deepened my faith in the relevance of the spirit of nonviolence if necessary social change is peaceful to take place.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, leader in the Civil Rights Movement, in his letter ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ (1963) argues that white moderates are the real barrier to equality for black people. King develops through use of various pertinent examples, both extended and hypothetical supplemented by thought-provoking rhetorical questions and effective references to outside literature. King appeals for the unity against the racism in society and right for Human Rights, using ethos. Similarly, King uses pathos to trigger the American people to take actions. Moreover, King uses logical explanations to explain the reasons to fight against white supremacy. King wrote this letter as a response to a statement in the newspaper, which was written by some clergymen.

He argues that the detention of the members and the treatment given is against human rights. King states that African Americans have waited for a long time to gain their human rights. The actions and the situation of the racism was a direct violation of the law of nation as well as the law of God. King clarifies that the lack of rights is against democracy and constitution while blacks deserve the ‘God-given’ rights. King tries to persuade the readers into knowing the extensity of this situation of human rights.

His presence in Birmingham meant that the situation of human rights was miserable there, and his arrest by the local authorities proved his point. He also made extensive use of pathos against the white supremacy. In his appeal to the blacks to fight against racism, King writes about the life of African Americans, highlighting poverty and mistreatment. Blacks are not given most of the privileges and state the backwardness of them a consequence. So, this statement exclusively appeals the Black in an emotional aspect.

King was a remarkable speaker and knew perfect combination of rhetorical devices for persuading his audience. King compares himself to Aspostile Paul, who set out on journey to convey the message of Christianity all over Greece and Roman. However, the story or Paul is not the only influencing factor that King uses in his letter. King also specifies various prominent personalities like St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Agustine, Jhon Bunyan, Martin Luther, and even Jesus Christ in his letter. He distinctively pursues his audience into believing that he wants to create a revolutionary change.

The letter includes different logical explanations. King provides a definition of such examples of how they are enforced, using common logic to decipher how discrimination exists in society. He uses the example of a just and unjust law. According to King, the law that people follow and the law that was used to arrest him ate different, and it is simply a form of unjust law in action. As a result, most of the white supremacy define the law with their advantage in mind. King says that it is a bad thing that white supremacists leave black people with no other choice as to stand against them. The whites discriminate them and treat them as the minority. King is a very reflective in his letter. So, King made it clear that resistance appeared.

The use of ethos, logos, pathos, combined with a reflective tone and King’s passion, makes King’s letter stand out as an excellent piece of literature as well as the motivational message. King establishes himself as a man with trustworthiness by using ethos. King wants the readers to know that he wants a change that is big enough for history. King also uses pathos to reflect the miserable situation of Human Rights and states that his presence in Birmingham Jail was desperation. King makes excellent use of logos to justify the rogue status of the government. So, King’s letter is an appeal for those who want change and a warning for those who oppose it.