For MLK's piece, you are going to do a SRR. Each section should have 4-8 sentences. And please make sure to dialogue with others.
Summarize—in this section you will as clearly and accurately as you can explain/summarize/describe the reading. In other words, what happened? Make sure you give specific details, and you can quote directly from the reading.
Respond— in second section you will discuss the overall effect of the reading. What I am looking for is a reaction to the reading; however, you must defend your reaction with specific and concrete reasoning. You cannot simply say “I do not like” or “I really enjoyed” with no discussion. This is your chance to engage with the reading on a more personal level.
Reflect— in this last section you will situate the reading within our class. How does the reading respond to what we have been discussing? What was MLK's rhetorical situation he was responding to (feel free to break it down using all of the terms Bitzer used to define rhetorical situation in other words feel free to say "the context for the situation was..." or "the exigence for the situation was..."). How will you apply the reading to your own understanding of writing?
Due: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 by class time.
Summary:
ReplyDeleteMartin Luther King. Jr. was taken to Birmingham City’s jail after marching in Birmingham Campaign in a nonviolent direct action, which the goal for was to express the injustice that colored people were suffering and to show the unfair discrimination in the civil laws. He sent this letter to eight white clergymen responding to their statement calling him an “outsider”. He explained the reasons of this campaign by saying that “ If his repressed emotions are not released in nonviolent ways, they will seek expression through violence” describing how colored people were forced to march on this campaign so that their message is received in a non violent image. The other reason is his statement “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”, showing how injustice exists in the civil laws and when describing America as the land of the free, he’s saying that this injustice is a threat to the justice in the whole nation. He goes into detail with examples of religious basis on how this injustice defies any religious belief in Christ and what he did for humanity, ultimately expressing his disappointment with the churches across America who stood silently watching injustice in its worst forms.
Response:
The letter is very effective on both the mind and the heart through Martin Luther King. Jr.’s style in writing where you can sense his devotion to freedom, his good will thinking and his love for everyone without any exceptions. Martin Luther King. Jr. paints those overwhelming images of how injustice was in his time and how the colored society was suffering that just puts you on his side without further thinking. He also convinces his reader by presenting the case with rightful solutions of justice that the mind can’t say no to; he asks for the God-given right to any human by being treated equally in the society no matter what color you are, he demands prevention of injustice through examples of history and words of religion that touch the soul no matter who you are or where you’re from and he justifies his march with his method of nonviolence, which makes you more in touch with the message he’s trying to send. I agree with Martin Luther King Jr words not just because they touched me, but because they are truthful, moral and fair from every angle you view them from. “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow that radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty”, many people say that they want to change the world somehow, well, here’s your inspiration source.
Reflection:
DeleteMartin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham City Jail” relates vastly to what we were discussing in class and relates to what rhetoric really is. It’s not just the letter he wrote; his actions, his written documents and his speeches are all of a rhetoric aspect. Particularly, with this letter, there’s a clear rhetorical situation that led to the actions in the Birmingham’s Campaign; injustice to the colored population across the nation of America and the bad racial treatment and discrimination they received is the cause of all the actions that followed, we could say that this is the exigence of his rhetorical situation. Moreover, the discourse was his many attempts at trying to persuade and convince the white moderate and people in power positions to modify the civil rights in order to achieve justice for every human being through written word, public speeches and the many marches and campaigns he did. Therefore, the audience would be the white moderate and the people in powerful positions at that time, who can change something if they are convinced by Martin Luther king’s discourse. Of course, in order for people to understand his story and his message, there were a set of constraints that he had to abide by which were nonviolence, good will reasoning, presenting justice as a fact and using the help of religion in an appropriate way. The context of his rhetorical situation would be the time and place that these things happened at; the united states as a nation in 1963. This reading gives us a crystal clear example of what a rhetorical situation is and what is it used for and how it could change something in an unexpected way. This reading will help me apply a similar style of Martin Luther King to my own understanding of writing and it could help me realize the purpose of why I’m writing and how I can present it effectively through convincing reasonable words and ideas.
in your opinion Aziz.. you said MLK's speech was so effective and touch the heart so why in that time the churches and the people in power position maybe did not feel that why !
DeleteI agree with you Abdullaziz, MLK's letter was truly inspirational and it definitely has motivated me to make a change. He is an admirable writer and historical figure that has inspired many and will inspire many with his discourse.
DeleteIn Martin Luther Kings “Letter from Birmingham Jail” he was responding to the criticisms of his fellow clergymen against his actions in Birmingham, actions which ultimately led him to spend time in the county jail located there. He was explaining why the need for pressure against counties and states with strong segregation norms was so dire. Although he had been called an extremist and rash, King was pointing out through this letter that the time was upon them for a call to action against this injustice and that when more respectable or polite means could not be had some version of public action must be taken. I found it incredible that Martin Luther King was able to rebuff all of the criticisms of people that he still called his brothers and fellow clergyman, even though they were insulting the work that he devoted his life to. He never used a harsher term than disappointment when describing his feelings toward the church for not backing him up on trying to bring about what the lord had intended, equality for all of his children. My favorite line from his letter is when he says, about the church, that there can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. I have always believed, and said, that there can be no hate where there has not been love or a similar emotional attachment. I think MLK is one of the most eloquent writers and speakers in our history, and lines like this prove it to me. He makes it emotional, he makes others sympathetic to the cause and able to connect to what he is saying. He could write for a rhetorical situation, one that required a response that would sway it’s listeners to follow him and his cause. The exigence of this situation was the fact that his fellow clergymen went against his cause and supported the men who had put him in jail for a peaceful protest. The audience was those very men who called him an extremist for pushing the civil rights movement through “too quickly”. MLK knew how to write for the times, he knew how to make a point and draw people in, and he knew what events would create the best times for a proper response. I love abduls response where he said that “He also convinces his reader by presenting the case with rightful solutions of justice that the mind can’t say no to; he asks for the God-given right to any human by being treated equally in the society no matter what color you are, he demands prevention of injustice through examples of history and words of religion that touch the soul no matter who you are or where you’re from and he justifies his march with his method of nonviolence, which makes you more in touch with the message he’s trying to send.” MLK did just that, he was able to simultaneously ask someone for something, therefore putting himself on the same playing field and being respectful and polite, yet also demand things that he felt were morally just. I believe he could convince anyone, and that he could justify his actions and beliefs because they were morally right and necessary.
ReplyDelete
DeleteRiley, I agree with you when you say King “demands prevention of injustice through examples of history and words of religion that touch the soul no matter who you are or where you’re from and he justifies his march with his method of nonviolence, which makes you more in touch with the message he’s trying to send.” King’s approach to making a change for his people by causing tension through nonviolent acts is inspirational in itself. His words are so powerful and so beautifully written that somebody with opposing views cannot deny his talented manner of delivering speech.
ReplyDeleteSummary:
The reading was about the racial in the United States between whites and blacks. In Birmingham city jail, Martin Luther King wrote his statement “we cannot wait” and about how the black people treated, named, and justice among others. The story was so sad sadness sorrow in how describing the life that black people had. How they were suffering in their life with extract some examples such as no place to go, aggressive in schools, sleep in the corner at night, or killed by policemen. Luther King effort for freedom and he always had a dream and hope. He said “Sometimes a law is just on it face and unjust in its application,” On other words, the law is unfair with black people because of color which tells you that you have a law but it is fake. The letter ends with the best of American dream “We will reach the goal of freedom.”
Respond:
When you want to follow a great man who supports civil rights, follow the leader of this campaign Martin King Luther. His letter was so strong that effected deeply on me. Wait!! A word which no one can handle it while there is no justice between people. He loved and thought for each one without making different in colors among humanity. His word “I have a dream,” gives hope for everyone to live and treat each other in a civilized way. It might be a past message from him, but it gives inspiration for any person seeks for justice and tries to reduce the aggressive and violent images. I loved this letter because it shows what is wrong and what is right for people and how can they treat each other and live equally.
Reflect:
In my understanding of Martin Luther King’s letter it is connected somehow with rhetorical situation. “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was written for one purpose which is to send a nuclear message to all people to avoid racial and being equal in treatment by following justice. So the exigence for Martin Luther King rhetorical situation is to find the freedom from racial and live in peace. The audience for the situation is the majority of people and specially the white moderate. Martin Luther king disappointed when he sent letters to the churches and no one moved or uplift for his campaign and this situation fits with constraints. His discourse also was aimed to the people and the white moderate to explain his method and convinced them. Finally, the context for the situation was in how the black people was treated among society with no reason except they were in different color which let Martin Luther King write this letter and being the leader of civil rights. The benefits of how to apply this reading in my writing is, how to make my writing for any one reading it and apply the rhetorical situation term to make the writing more easy and convince.
Summary: In Martin Luther King’s letter from the Birmingham Jail, he explains the injustice and immoral acts going on during this time of segregation in the 1960s. He was thrown in jail for participating in the non-violent march in the Birmingham campaign. MLK strives to justify the need for nonviolent direct action, the absolute immorality of unjust laws. King explains, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly… Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider…” Freedom must be demanded by the oppressor, and blacks can no longer wait any longer. MLK discusses how tension must be created, but in a nonviolent way in order for the clergymen to face the situation with serious consideration. King also expresses disappointment with the Church. “Was not Jesus an extremist for love, was not Amos an extremist for Justice, etc.” The Church like other public places was unsupportive. “I have watched clergymen stand on the sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies. In the midst of a might struggle to rid our nation of racial injustice, I have heard ministers say: “Those are social issues, with which the gospel has no real concern.” King is disappointed with the fact that the church was ignored their loyalty to the African Americans. So much resentment is deserved to be had by the blacks so “let them march.”
ReplyDeleteRespond: I found Martin Luther King’s letter very inspiring. It was written in such an inoffensive, meaningful manner. Of course, I agree with King’s arguments for justice and freedom. This letter is so well written that it is hard to disagree with what he is discussing. His writing is delicate and never provokes an angry, in-your-face, threatening feeling. The section that most stood out for me was when MLK writes,” For years now, I have heard the word ‘wait,’ It rings in the ear of every negro with piercing familiarity. This ‘wait’ has almost always meant ‘never.’ MLK recognizes standing idly by and waiting simply isn’t an option. His determination is inspiring and so desperately necessary in this time in our history.
Reflect: In this letter, there is a clear rhetoric situation, being the injustice and discrimination across America during this time period. I agree with Abdul when he says that the discourse is the many attempts MLK performs convincing people with power to change the current injustice. Through his marches, letters, speeches, (which is the context,) the audience is both his own people, the Negros, but also anyone MLK is trying to share his voice with. The exigence is the obvious urgency for a change in the way people are being treated. In my opinion, the constraints are the church and the clergymen who simply don’t hear or see MLK’s viewpoint in his desperate plead for equality.
Becca- I really like how you described King's letter as "non-threatning". I didn't think to use that adjective, but now that you said it I think it remains true. king still appealed to emotion, but more sympathy then threatening.
DeleteSummary- Martin Luther King starts out this letter more as a pastor than the civil rights leader that he is. He then goes into detail about how Birmingham is not the place that it should be, that they should not be bombing people’s homes because of the color of their skin. He continues on to how when the white people say “wait” they almost always mean “never”, that to wait longer is to not experience the freedom they deserve; the freedom they have been waiting for “…340 years for our constitutional right”. Another point he is very much interested in is the different kinds of laws as he sees them: just and unjust. He specifies, “an unjust law is no law at all.” He then goes into detail about the difference of a just and unjust law, stating that an unjust law “is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts people personality is just.” He closes the letter with how he disagrees with how they are trying to “keeping order” and “preventing violence”, Martin Luther King argues this as they are attacking the wrong people, that having dogs attack the innocent non violent people is not how one cleans up a city, it helps destroy it.
ReplyDeleteRespond- This was the first time reading this piece and I was a bit confused at the beginning of it. I didn’t understand the nature as to why he was in the jail, so I looked it up which helped understand the setting of him writing this letter and helped me understand what was happening with this time period. I liked the fact that he addressed how he doesn’t really care about the people who think his actions are foolish, and he basically told them he’s going to continue his work. When he talks about the nonviolent campaign I agreed with the first two but I had a hard time agreeing with self-purification and direct action. To me self-purification seemed something someone would have to do before they agreed to be part of this movement. With that amount of self-discovery could you really know and try to expect how every situation could go. As for direct-action this to me seemed like words a violent protest group would use. When I think of direct-action I think of violence that can escalate quickly. I understand he was trying to make this as peaceful as can be but I think he should of used a different phrase.
Reflect- This piece has it’s own kind of rhetorical situation that Martin Luther King was responding to. The discourse of the piece was a written letter. The audience was the entire nation, but more specifically the people of the civil rights movement and the city of Birmingham. The exigens was the fact that non-violent people were being hurt and the unjust nature that was happening to the colored people of the south, but more specifically in Birmingham. The context was that nonviolent people, like Martin Luther King, that were demonstrating a nonviolent campaign were being put into jail. And the constants was he was writing this letter inside his jail cell, as he says in the end of the letter that he had a lot more time to think about what he wanted to say. If he had to write this letter in less time and with not being in jail I think the letter would have turned out very differently. I would apply this writing to my own understanding of writing as to how to write a one sided argument, and how to make it so it is informational but doesn’t appear to be trying to make you believe in the things he is writing.
Martin Luther King was sent to Birmingham jail during his tenure as one of the most influential leaders in the civil rights movement. He was taken to jail for his actions and wrote a letter to his clergymen, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. In his letter he shares his view of the movement and what was happening to the people he was leading between the beatings, being sent to jail, and not allowed to do certain things. He also discussed what would happen if it weren’t in America and in a different place such as Hitler’s Germany and the oppression of the Jews or the Christian’s in a communist country. His response was “I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers… I would openly advocate disobeying that country’s anti religious laws”. He is stating that any oppression of some ones religion, or look, or color he would be there to advocate for them no matter what circumstances were presented he would be there. MLK was an individually important man; he wanted to change the beliefs of people, who almost refused to change, he made his mark on history, in the way he lead his movement and supported any other group that was fighting against oppression.
ReplyDeleteThis letter has a lasting effect it is coming from on of the most important civil rights leader of all time, and from one of the most influential American that has lived. For his belief that all people are equal to what he suffered from being in jail and even in his confined space he still fought for what he believed in. In his letter he even believes in other times that aren’t current or on the other side of the globe his want to support other people that are having their own movement is what makes his words so powerful that its not just his own belief that he believes in but others. Writing is from where he was made the letter all that much more personal and emotional that he was still able to relay his beliefs to people on the outside.
The rhetorical situation of what the letter that Martin Luther King wrote, was of an unequal American country, separated by different beliefs and fighting for what he believed in from jail. The rhetoric was his speeches and letters, in which he was able to convey equal rights and that no individual should be judged by his color, beliefs, or looks. The context of his speeches was advocating for the rights of all Americans to be treated the same and that those who don’t believe in it should change because they are wrong. They are even more wrong for choosing to treat someone who is a human being differently because they are of a different color. The audience that he focuses on is the supporting group of colored people and all who believe that each individual should be treat correctly and those who listened, and he is directing what he says on to those who don’t believe they should be equal. Hussan mentions that the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was a nuclear message to send to any person who doesn’t believe in equality is the one of the best ways to state what Martin Luther King spoke of in his letter.
Letter from Birmingham was a response letter from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the clergymen of Birmingham who were criticizing him for all of the non-violent acts that were happening in Birmingham. The clergymen knew that social injustice was present, but they believed that fighting for justice should happen only in the courts and not be made public street affairs. The clergymen accused Dr. King of several acts, which they disliked because the acts created tension within the community. Dr. King elegantly explains the direct need for action in the community and states that waiting had happened and no change had happened and waiting could not happen anymore. “We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights.” In the letter it is explained that following the law was one sided and unjust. The oppressed were expected to abide by the law while the oppressor was able to do whatever he felt. Dr. King raises the question, "How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ends the letter on a sincere and apologetic tone for any miss understandings or falsities in his letter.
ReplyDeleteIn this letter Dr. King used a very polite, but stern tone. He addressed the issues at hand and calmly stated the true meaning behind the actions that had happened in Birmingham. He uses a tone that rings of unity and collaboration. He refuses to let go of hope and portrays that in every sentence, which he writes. There is a sense of urgency that calls for assured action from both parties. He talks a lot about failed promises and actions of the past, but instead of linger on that, he offers solutions to the problems and how both parties can work together to achieve those goals.
Reading this letter was a very enjoyable task. The letter engaged me on a intellectual and emotional level. Thinking back to a time when African Americans were not allowed to go certain places of do certain things makes me think about how so many of my friends and family member do not utilize and value their freedoms. They take things for granted and act as though they are still oppressed. I then look at myself, and wonder how I can I become more involved in carrying out the goals of Dr. King. Injustice still exists and as Dr. King put it, “Injustice somewhere is injustice everywhere.”
As you said, Dr. King replied with a very polite but stern tone in his letter and someone in his position would be expected to use a different kind of tone, a more harsh tone and not so polite. That's why i admire Dr. King and his strong connection with his teachings and beliefs. He said that non violence was very important to the message he's trying to send and to go that far with a non violent tone in a letter from prison, being confined for an unjust reason, is very admirable. That's why i believe that non violence was a key aspect of how he succeeded in ending the unfair civil law era.
DeleteContext: The harsh criticism from the clergymen about the acts of Dr. King
ReplyDeleteExigency: Injustice can not be ignored or unspoken
Audience: The clergymen directly, but the world indirectly to bring light to the harsh reality of Birmingham
Constraint: Resistance to be negative and offensive
Discourse: The letter itself written calmly and respectfully
Summary: The reading describes the racial situation in the United States between black and white people. Black people were incredibly mistreated and Martin Luther King decided it was time for this to end. He was taken the Birmingham jail because he had joined in a campaign to take nonviolent direct action against the unfair discrimination to black people. Black people were suffering from extreme harassment, as they had no place to go or mistreated by policemen etc. The letter that Martin Luther King writes to the white clergyman descries the reasons behind his campaign as well as the unjust laws of the country. “A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law” He explains that they are seeking their freedom through not violent ways but emphasized that it may turn into expression through violence. He expresses his disappointment with the white people and with the justice system of the government. Martin Luther King also uses religion to express the injustice.
ReplyDeleteRespond: Martin Luther King is the biggest and most influential activist in terms of African-American civil right movement. I had a sense of sorrow fall over me when I read this letter. The mistreatment of black people was so extreme solely because they had a dark color. I can’t believe that people could be so cruel due to the way someone looks. Martin Luther King was so devoted to freedom and peace between everyone, black, white, Asian, etc. He never talked poorly about the whites even though they treated his people so horribly. He only looked for the future and the hope of freedom. He discusses the harsh realities of the world that they lived in with kindness, love, and devotion. I agree with everything that Martin Luther King has to say regarding the civil rights. He really touched me and showed me the cruelty of his people.
Reflect: Martin Luther King’s “Letter to Birmingham City Jail” relates to rhetorical situation. There are five components of rhetorical situation: exigence, audience, context, discourse, and constraint. The exigence of this situation is what the purpose of is. The purpose is to send a clear message to the racist people about the unfair treatment of minorities. The audience for the letter is racist people specifically white people of the United States. The context describes how it happened, so the context of this situation would be that white people decided that people with a different color skin are inferior to them. The discourse is the letter, the method in which Martin Luther King is expressing his views and concerns. The constraint of the situation is the fact that Martin Luther King had to watch what he said as he didn’t want to piss of the white people. Rhetorical situation definitely helps improve my writing because I now fully understand what a rhetorical situation is and I can use it to make my writing more convincing and coherent.
Martin Luther King wrote “Letter from Birmingham Jail” as a response to a statement made by Clergymen. In their statement, the Clergymen criticize Martin Luther King by calling his current actions “untimely” (Luther 3), referring to his “nonviolent efforts as those of an extremist” (Luther 6), and accusing colored people of having a “willingness to break laws” (Luther 4). King writes a detailed response to each criticism, and goes beyond explaining his reasoning for his responses. For example, the Clergymen accuse colored people of being impatient to gain equal rights, but King remarks “This ‘Wait!’ has almost always meant ‘Never’,” and that “’justice too long delayed is justice denied’” (King 3). King also responds to the Clergymen’s criticizing comment about his actions being extreme by saying “though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist…I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label” and that Jesus was “an extremist for love” (King 7). King additionally responds to the Clergymen’s comment about colored people unjustly breaking laws to fight for the their rights by saying “at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws” because “One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws” (King 4).
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading Martin Luther King’s letter. He clearly expresses his thoughts, opinions, views, and wishes in a creative and in-depth manner. For example, King creatively explains why “direct-action” needs to be taken by stating, “Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths…so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism” (King 3). He intelligently uses Socrates as a comparison to help the audience understand the point he is trying to make. King also cleverly states, “Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue” (King 3). He is saying that whites refuse to converse with blacks because they prefer to communicate with their own species and are too stubborn to listen to what black people have to say. White people do not make an effort to understand the language of black people.
The rhetorical situation that Martin Luther King was responding to was unequal rights for blacks (the exigence). He wrote a letter (his method of discourse) in response to a statement made by the Clergymen (his audience). The constraints of the rhetorical situation are unjust laws, segregation, legislators, white people having power over black people, and the fact that Martin Luther King is confined in a jail cell. The context of the rhetorical situation could be many things: King being stuck in a jail cell, King arguing for why blacks deserve freedom, King responding the Clergymen’s statement by writing a letter, King trying to establish a point by writing the letter, etc.
The letter was intriguing yet subtle. King continuously made great points like what an unjust law is and why black people are tired of waiting for change. Although he sometimes repeated the same point numerous times, no two sentences sounded the same. He creatively brought up important issues without being redundant or boring, and I can tell that he wrote with significance. When I am writing, I will apply the techniques I have learned from reading King’s strategically written letter. I will challenge myself to write about one topic in multiple ways to practice using variety in writing.
During the Birmingham campaign MLK was arrested for some of his protesting. During his jail time, MLK took the rhetorical situation he was given as the perfect moment to write his “Letter from Birmingham jail” so as to bring to attention some of the things MLK saw that were wrong and needed to be changed. He brought up multiple pieces of what made some laws just and unjust, and how the whole town of Birmingham became a campaign in itself. MLK had prepared for everything to occur just as it did so that he could forcible make his own rhetorical situation, one that would lead to an entire book on his ideals and the unjust nature of the entire town, even elaborating as to why now they were acting and using the clergymen’s religion against them.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading all of MLK’s speech and the events that lead to him being jailed I am quite impressed with the situation as whole. MLK had all of these ideas prepared and ready, he simply was waiting for the perfect time and deliver of all these ideas in a manner that they would be remembered. To write so much on the matter at hand without spinning off on tangents or losing focus, to say he memorized this speech is an understatement. The amount of premeditation that went into writing this letter is astounding to say the least. From bringing up all his points, to using prepared quotes from historical figures such as Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, it is clear that MLK was not writing this letter on a slight of whim. This is what makes me extremely impressed in MLK. He was completely and utterly prepared to speak of pressing matters. But instead of setting up another event or protest, he wanted to physically insert himself into a rhetorical situation that would have the most poignant effect on the American public.
This reading perfectly fits into our recent discussions, especially ones concerning rhetorical situation. After reading Bitzer’s piece on when we should write, we might come into situations where we are currently not in a rhetorical situation. As MLK demonstrated, if one does not have a situation for discourse, make one. Though the context was right and he could have simply given a speech on the matter, the only ones who would show are those that can make no changes, in other words, not the correct audience. So MLK got himself put in jail in such that he could get his real audience, writing his discourse in the form of a letter to the clergymen that were constraining the exigence and keeping MLK from reaching his goal. As to application of this reading, MLK gives a great example of how before one can write, they must be in a situation that asks for discourse. Before we can write within this class, we must acknowledge all of the pieces of a rhetorical situation and make sure we fit all of the criteria for it. Writing is something that is only powerful when it is at the right time and the right spot, even if that spot is in a tiny prison cell.
Summary.
ReplyDelete“Letter from Birmingham city jail”, was a letter written by the civil rights activist Martian Luther King -from that very jail- to his fellow clergymen after being arrested for his role in Birmingham campaign against segregation and the violence acts against colored races in that time. In the letter, King defends himself from the accusations of him being an “outsider” saying, “Anyone who lives in the Unite States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within it’s bounds”; instead, he shouts that he came (with his own words),“I am in Birmingham because injustice is here”. Kings explains why non-violent direct actions are needed by saying, “freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”. He also expresses how bad he feels (he even called it “disappointment”) towards the church for not standing by his side with his actions to change. Changing hatred to love, separation into union, and inequality into equality, as god himself created us to be equal.
Respond.
Respect to everybody who stands out for his believes and his people. King saw how humans could be unfair and cruel, with all that discrimination and segregation taking place at Birmingham and other places. King knew the acts of the people of that time were wrong, he knew a black brother shouldn’t be disrespected or humiliated just because of his skin color or his believes or opinions, he knew god created us to be equal, so, he said no! He said enough with all of that, this world needs to change, and he was up to lead that change, a change, not only for the best of his people, buy for everybody. A change that made people question their own actions and their definition of morals and ethics. The letter held between its lines, the soul of a man who foreseen love and respect among people with differences, and worked hard and sacrificed to achieve that vision. I only read King’s name on one of my father’s books, but I never was interested in him nor what he did; now, I know who Martian Luther King was, a leader, a believer, and a messenger of peace.
Reflection.
The Exigency of the letter was the discrimination in the United States back to that time. The discourse was the emotional, but in the same time logical letter he sent from prison. I agree with Cameron that King’s audience was not only the eight clergymen, but also everybody who didn’t believe in equality. The context was the atmosphere of hatred and discrimination of that time. The constraint was the negativity he received from everybody who didn’t believe in what he was shooting at.
Summarize:
ReplyDeleteIn Martin Luther Kings “Letter from Birmingham” he is addressing recent criticism over his non-violent protest in Birmingham Alabama. Throughout the letter he uses several rhetorical techniques and appeals to logic, emotion, and credibility. He makes himself credible and logical in the letter when he explains the various steps he took to end racism in Birmingham. As he explains “In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustice exists, negotiation, self purification, and direct action.” He followed every step in order and after negotiations with the town; he was forced to ignite “extreme tension” within the town to bring about a change. When appealing to emotion he uses words like “god given rights” and “unjust laws”. He also brings to light that Birmingham has seen the highest rate of unsolved bombings of Black families homes. By the end of the letter Martin Luther King has successfully justified his nonviolent protest through many real world experiences, and appeal to moral groundings.
Respond:
My respond to Martin Luther Kings letter, was that this was a very powerful and persuasive piece. I admire his persistence in fighting for civil rights, and the solid reasoning behind his protest. For a successful civil disobedience once must have concrete evidence to partake in it. Martine Luther King was very rational, and thought out his plan of action. I think the most persuasive part of the letter was when he was writing about the children and how parents had to explain to their kids that they could not do something only because of the color of their skin. This really appealed to my morals, and beliefs.
Reflect:
Coming from a Blitzer standpoint, Martin Luther king followed the five steps of a rhetorical situation that lead to this writing piece. The exigency for Martin Luther King to write this letter was the extreme racism going on in Birmingham, Alabama at that time. He explained in his letter, that he had seen the racism first hand and had gathered evidence before he took action. His discourse was in the form of a letter from jail. The context of the letter was the protest that happened, and the arrest that followed. His constraints were the local government of Birmingham, and current events that postponed the protest several times. The audience was writing to the town of Alabama, and specifically those that criticized King’s actions. I will apply this reading to my writing because it is an example I can look up to for persuasive writing. By appealing to emotion, as well as logical, King successfully defended his actions, and civil disobedience.
Summary//
ReplyDelete“Letter From Birmingham Jail”, was a letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he was confined in a cell in Birmingham city jail. He starts off the letter by explaining his reason for writing it, how his actions were accused of being “unwise and untimely”. King goes on to talk about the oppression that is occurring in their present time and that the time to change is now. He speaks a lot of the black community having waited for so long for civil rights that they cannot wait any longer. He speaks of all his intentions being non-violent and is very sincere and respectful throughout the entirety of the letter. He also talks a lot about justice and equality and also that in order to achieve justice certain unjust laws lie in their path. He speaks about the moderate white community and his hope for a better future of equality and brotherhood.
Respond//
I thought this was an incredibly written letter. How MLK was able to touch on so many serious issues while still keeping such a respectful and sincere tone was very powerful. He brought up so many convincing arguments on the inequality that was present in society as well as the lack of effort for change by the white moderate. His part about just and unjust laws was moving how he had the quotes of an unjust law not being a law at all and it was the citizen’s responsibility to determine a laws credibility. The conclusion is also very powerful when he describes the reason for the letter being so long because there is nothing else to do in a jail cell. He reminds them that he is locked in jail for executing peaceful action in an attempt for equality.
Reflection//
The situation behind MLK’s letter is that of an unjust society of discriminatory practices against blacks in the south. He is taking it upon himself to seize this opportunity while in jail for fighting for equality and persuading the ideal of brotherhood as well as freedom. He uses very passionate tone while still staying respectful to the reader as he understands the reader already has a biased opinion against his stance on the freedom and equality of African Americans. It is good to take from this reading his use of diction and appeal to pathos as well. It is a wonderfully written letter because of his understanding of a rhetorical situation and his use of that to his advantage.
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1947904,00.html
ReplyDeleteIn your groups, please read through the photo essay together. Talk through what the photo essay’s message is, how the pictures affect your response to the essay, and anything that else that comes up while you are reading through it. After you read it, and while you are still in your group, I want you to respond to 3 questions: (1) in both pieces, what is the rhetorical situation? (2) How does the way the pieces are presented—one is a letter and one is a photo essay—impact your response to them? Would they have had the same impact in different genres? And (3) what is the purpose of each? Please reply back to these questions—there should be one per group.
DJ, Ali, Adriana
Delete1. In the letters from Birmingham MLK's rhetorical situation is one in which he is writing a discourse so as to try to change the situation and racism stirring from the town of Birmingham. He is writing it so as to affect the exigence. Whereas in the photo essay it was put together years after his lifetime. The situation is not trying to change an exigence it is trying to honor a brilliant and good man.
2. Both mediums give off different impressions because they are written in different situations and while one speaks from a prison, it makes the mind try to imagine what can not be seen. The photos give something for the audience to look and see MLK in his prime. Though the letter has more content, the photos give more for the audience to relate to and give solace.
3. The letter had more reason to its beginning and was written in a rhetorical situation so as to make a change, to change the clergymen and those who could affect the town of Birmingham. However, the photos are meant as a memorial so as to honor MLK in his time and using his own words.
The rhetorical situation in both pieces is to extend his civil rights movement to get the people who didn't follow his beliefs on his side. His message was of equality for all races, religions, and genders. The need for him to do what he did was to go against the segregation and prejudice that he saw in the south and wanted to make a change. The photos evoke a more emotional response, especially when you see him with his son to experience what he went through and what he was facing. The letter was more philosophical and in depth, then just the pictures with a single quote. No, this Genre was more serious and the impact would of not been of the same level, due to it being such an important event for America. The purpose of each is to honor what he did with his beliefs and how much he advocated for civil rights and all the things that he faced.
ReplyDelete+ Riley
What is rhetorical situation in both pieces?
ReplyDelete1. Exigence: in the letter-responding to the eight clergymen photo essay-commemorating Martin Luther King
2. Audience: in the letter-eight clergymen photo essay-America’s public
3. Constraints: in the letter-had to be respectful and polite photo essay-have to respect the memory and the black community
4. Discourse: in the letter-letter photo essay-pictures with quotes in a magazine
5. Context: in the letter-because he got thrown into jail and the eight clergymen blamed him, mistreatment and the history of segregation photo essay-because they are celebrating his life
How does the way the pieces are presented—one is a letter and one is a photo essay—impact your response to them? Would they have had the same impact in different genres?
1. Easier to read because there are photos
2. More approachable by more audience
3. More information in the letter
4. Impact is greater with the letter because the photo essay doesn’t have all of Martin Luther King’s letter just bits and pieces
What is the purpose of each?
-The purpose of Martin Luther Kings letter was to create peace and justice across America for the black community
-The purpose of the Time’s photo essay was to commemorate the bravery of Martin Luther King as well as remind everyone what he did
Griff Smith and Abdul
Delete1.) Exigence- Martin Luther King felt the need to take a position against the social inequality and political injustice happening in America at that time
ReplyDeleteDiscourse- His method for bringing about change was through speeches and non-violent protests
Context- The ongoing tensions between races in America
Constraints- audience, and the positions he held
audience- Clergy Men, and overall the people of America
2.) The letter presented his views in a one dimensional way, and it more detailed explanations of his actions and his cause. It also used imagery to create mental images in your mind. The photo journal evicted more emotion and also made it more engaging. It added another dimension to his words. The two pieces would have an impact on different genres.
3.) The purpose of each is the same, to fight injustice and live with peace. Although presented in different contexts, they both raise awareness for the same cause.
julie Hussan
ReplyDeleteGroup: Becca, Ali, and Meredith.
ReplyDeleteLETTER
1) Rhetorical situation is the injustice and segregation in
Exigence: Urgency to make a change in the society and halt segregation. Audience: Clergymen
Constraints:There was segregation, inequality, and unjust laws.
PHOTO ESSAY
Audience: Everybody, Exigence: Blacks demanding freedom, Constraints:There was segregation, inequality, and unjust laws.
The photos maybe could evoke more emotion or give a person a better understanding of what is was like visually. Whereas, the letter was more detailed and formal. He went into great depth in the letter and the pictures were paired with quotes from the letter; the photo slideshow showed basically the highlights of the letter.
Each type of discourse is going to impact a person differently because they are different types of discourse. For example, the photos are a more emotionally delivery of his message, the letter is a more formal delivery of his message, and if he were to deliver his message through a speech, it would probably result in a combination of the ways his words were delivered in the letter and the photo slideshow. Him speaking in person would most likely personally and directly impact his audience because people would be seeing his emotions and actions as he speaks his powerful words.
The purpose of the letter was to create nonviolent tension that would lead to negotiation. The purpose of the letter was also to respond to the Clergymen's statement. The purpose of the photo essay was to deliver a summary of Martin Luther King's letter in a visual manner. The photos give a brief description of King's points and how passionate he was about his points.