QUESTIONS
Develop a 2-page double-spaced paper, responding to some, most or all of these questions.
Use at least 2 quotations.
Investigate (on the internet) a little about the Birmingham nonviolent campaign for extra info.
What is the purpose of this letter? What was the social/political/economic climate like? What was it that inclined him to respond?What is the purpose of non-violent action? What does non-violent action seek? What was Dr. MLK Jr.’s main objective in general? What aspects of the status quo does he critique? Why?
Explain this phrase “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Is this a phrase of apathy or one of sincere concern? Why does he say this? What is he alluding (or implying) to?
“So we had no alternative except that of preparing for direct action, whereby we would present our very bodies as a means of laying our case before the conscienceof the local and national community. We were not unmindful of the difficulties involved. So we decided to go through a process of self-purification.” (2nd paragraph) Paraphrasethis passage.
Was the non-violent campaign a spontaneous human expression or was the expression a coordinated organized response to something; was it a cause or an effect?
What is one method that was implemented in the process of/for organization?
What part of the status quo does he seek to attack? Why? And what are some strategies?
Status quo - the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political, and economic issues.
“We decided to set our direct-action program around the Easter season, realizing that, with exception of Christmas, this was the largest shopping period of the year. Knowing that a strong economic withdrawal program would be the by-product of direct action, we felt that this was the best time to bring pressure on the merchants for the needed changes.” (7th paragraph)
In what way does this “bring pressure on the merchants for the needed changes.”?
What does he say about “tension”? Is it negative or positive and why?
How does King describe the disposition of “unconsciously developing a bitterness toward white people”? (11th paragraph) Is this a valid reason/justification/observation for this disposition (attitude)? Are those that adopt this “unconscious” resentment to blame?
What is King’s view of just/unjust state law(s), legality/illegality? How does he define them? What is the distinguishing factor?
What concerns is he addressing? What injustices does he observe?
What are the two opposing forces with the (Negro) community? What does he say about complacency?
“But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or even more, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends.”
What does this quotation imply?