Journalism Case

The “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is Martin Luther King Junior’s response to criticism that he received from eight clergymen in Alabama. They called his actions “unwise” and “untimely.” King attempts to explain why he believes his actions were just and reasonable.

“…since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms (341).”

I think King’s thesis is more implied then stated in this letter. He makes point to appose what the clergy men are saying, and gives many reasons as to why the Civil Right Movement is important to him and why he took action in the way that he did in Birmingham.

“I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what is happening in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…” “… Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly (342).”

King mentions that that he has tried the course of negotiation, but certain promises were not kept. Reverend Fred Shuttles worth and the leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights agreed to have merchants of local shops and grocery stores, remove the humiliating racial signs that hung on their doors. However, weeks and months went by, but King and his supporters found disappointment once more as the signs were not taken down. This led to the direct action of what made him go to jail in Birmingham. He had had enough of “waiting” which undoubtedly meant “never.”

“The only answer that I can give to this query is that the new Birmingham administration must be prodded about as much as the outgoing one, before it will act.” “…Both segregations are dedicated to maintenance of the status quo (344).”

He also talks about how the laws are just and unjust. King mentions that he does not advocate evading or denying the