The “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”

Introduction

“Letter from Birmingham Jail,” by Martin Luther King Jr., was written in response to the objections of several white clergymen. King being an outsider from at Atlanta couldn't ignore the troubles in going on in Birmingham saying, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (King, 512). If the actions in Birmingham go uncheck, it threatens the wellbeing of equality everywhere. King's help with a nonviolent demonstration is the reason he's in jail. It's there in jail he expresses his views of segregation and his disappointment with the church and white moderate.

Analysis

In his letter King states, “segregation not only is politically, economically, and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful” (King, 512). Kings urges people to understand the difference just and unjust laws. Segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. evil of segregation is at the heart of all the bombing of Negro homes and churches, the treatment of Negroes in court, and in the police brutality toward Negroes (Lee, pp 279-288).

“My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure.” (King, 512) Through non-violent action, crisis is formed and communities are forced to confront the issue. In doing so it opens up lines of communication between the town and the people. The issue can no longer be ignored if there is such direct action. King believes that the situation needs to be discussed rather than left as is. (King, 511)

He is greatly disappointed with the white church and its leadership. He expected all churches to unite and support the protest for desegregation, and was hurt when the white churches rejected that idea (Snow, pp 318-334). He states that integration is morally right, and all men are brothers ...