Introduction
The “Letter from Birmingham Jail” has King’s personal views and racial issues experienced in society. His argument is based on the assumption that Christians should support his course of fighting against injustices. However, King effectively used rhetorical elements to persuade the liberal clergymen to agree with his argument about human rights violations and societal injustices (King Jr 254). The strength of his argument is based on facts and logic that the readers can relate to in society. Despite King’s argument being slightly weakened by assumptions, it is effectively strengthened through the use of logical fallacies.
The Summary of the Letter
In “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” King addresses the liberal clergymen and expresses his personal opinions about his state and racial issues in society. In essence, King is imprisoned due to his views on how society should develop to create a typical community. However, clerics expressed their disagreement with King’s approach, claiming that they were ineffective. King counters the clergymen’s assertions by making a number of points in favor of his position. As a result, he focuses on giving moral, emotive, factual, valid, and convincing reasons for his acts and goals.
Strengths of the Argument
Ethos
In the letter, King used ethos to express his disappointment in being considered an extremist when his actions were not violent to the readers. To demonstrate his credibility, King reference many notable personalities. For example, he compares himself to the Apostle Paul, who went on a journey to pass the message of Christianity (King Jr 260). He wanted the audience to see him as a person with a clear purpose: to fight against injustices. As a result, King effectively used ethos to convince the readers about his position.
Pathos
King’s argument for social integrity was superb due to the use of pathos and emotive texts. King used pathos to create emotions in readers and make them believe that the white moderates are responsible for the injustices witnessed. In the letter, he clarifies the concept of human rights to the audience because the liberals believe in making the society better for everyone. King claims that the mistreatment of members in jail and their confinement breaches their human rights (King Jr 258). Apart from using emotive words, the texts such as “my friends” used in the letter are persuasive and enable him to attract the attention of the audience.
Logos
King effectively used logos in the letter by providing facts and rationale to the intended audience. The letter offers a variety of logical justifications and arguments. For example, he argues about what constitutes an “unjust” law. King explains these laws and gives examples of how they are applied, using common sense to identify why prejudice exists in society and avoiding logical fallacies (King Jr 261). He mentions the contrast between reasonable and unfair laws. Based on this, King provides appropriate evidence to support his argument on social injustices.
Weaknesses of the Argument
King’s letter’s shortcomings are evident in his assumptions in his arguments. He assumes that the white moderate only wants to maintain the status quo and has no interest in the objectives of the civil rights struggle (King Jr 257). In addition, he assumes that all Christians should join the course of fighting for human rights through his movement. However, this may not be the case because the white moderate might not be completely informed about the civil rights movement and all it implies.
Conclusion
King’s arguments are very strong because he makes his claim clear and straightforward and uses facts to support them. In the letter, King used ethos to demonstrate to his audience that he is a trustworthy individual. He wants the readers to realize that he wishes for a historical transformation. King uses emotive pleas to depict the dreadful situation of human rights and contends that his confinement in Birmingham Jail demonstrates his desperation. He employs logos to support his stance against societal inequalities.
Work Cited
King Jr, Martin Luther. “Letter from a Birmingham jail.” Arguing about the law (2013): 254-264.