...Letter From Birmingham Jail Vs. “I Have a Dream Speech” The first way that a “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and “ I have a Dream” differ are in their intended audience, as one is intended for a group of white clergymen while the other is intended to rally a large group. This difference in audience and how Dr. King chooses to appeal to each of his audiences causes for the choices in language and the purpose of “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and “I have a Dream” to differ. “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is addressed to white clergymen, and the purpose of the letter is to defend the demonstrations that were taking place. As Dr. King is trying to defend the demonstrations to these white clergymen, his language choice is quite interesting. One brilliant way that he chooses to defend the demonstrations is by appealing to the white men through his choice of Anglo terms. For instance, in the letter, Dr. King writes, “Just as the prophets of the eighth century century B.C. left their villages and carried their “thus saint the Lord” far beyond the boundaries of their home towns…I am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town” (King). This choice of wording makes Dr. King’s argument stronger since as these white men disagree with Dr. King and his form of peaceful protest, the white clergymen will not be able to argue back because he is using religious references that if the white men chose to argue against, it would make them look like hypocrites (Eubank). While...
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...“I have some very sad news for all of you, and, I think, sad news for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world; and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and was killed tonight in Memphis, Tennessee.” Robert F. Kennedy delivered this news in his speech “Remarks on the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.” to a predominately black crowd in Indianapolis on April 4th, 1968, only one day after King delivered his final speech in which he gave hope to his supporters of a promise land where injustice and inequality did not exist, in a time when there was more divisiveness in America than in almost any point in history (Spong, 809). Despite riots ensuing in major cities all over the country and a Negro gang in Indianapolis, known as the “Ten Percenters,” scouring the neighborhood gathering militant support...
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...On the 28th day of August in 1963, at Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC Martin Luther King once said, " I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal." King believed that every one should be equal no matter race, religion, or background they are. On that day of King's speech a majority of African-Americans, which whom the speech was intended for, not only them but for whites who stood for equality. Also foreign citzens that wanted the same rights as Americans. Political Representitives were there because of JFK, all stood to listen to King that gave them hope that one day this would be true. Metaphorically,...
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...Martin Luther King, Jr wrote a one of time’s most memorable, yet powerful speech that touched American citizens all around the world and helped open their eyes to what could be a “perfect world.” He delivered the speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where nearly a quarter of a million people gathered around to hear him voice his opinion. During this time, he was considered a brave man, for he was black and racism was so harsh on the black community. Knowing this risk, he took a stand for the colored citizens. He became the most predominant leader in the Civil Rights Movements. Many hours of research and preparation went into the making of this speech. Martin Luther King, Jr designed his speech to leave an impact on people that would allow them to remember it. For example King states, “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” Carefully choosing his words, he...
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...“King in New York” is one of the current exhibitions in the Museum of the City of New York. It provides a unique view of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and works, especially his connection with New York and the world. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most important civil rights activists of the 20th century. He spent his life seeking equality and human rights for African Americans. He played a significant role in bringing about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. He was best known for his speech “I Have a Dream” that inspired more people to keep peace and gain equality. Instead of talking about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legendary and well-known actions and contributions, the exhibition emphasizes...
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...Martin Luther is well known for his famous speech, "I Have a Dream". He delivered the speech in 1963 in Washington D.C. the theme of the speech was to describe the dream he had of a better America that was free from racial discrimination especially that of the black people. Luther begins his speech by illustrating the historical context of the injustices done to the black people due to their skin color. The introduction creates a base for the main theme of the speech where he shares his dream with the people about the America he wishes to see in the future. The discussion of the paper illustrates the effectiveness of the speech using the five canons of rhetoric. Invention The topic that Luther chooses is very captivating, and it is crucial to having a significant effect on the audience. First, the topic is in line with the current situations that are affecting the people. The people, therefore, feel they are part of what Luther is speaking about. The invention gives the black activists a future they are supposed to dream of. Secondly, the invention of the topic instills hope to the people. In a time of oppression and discrimination, the choice of the topic is efficient because it creates a sense of hope and a brighter future for the people. Connecting with the people's emotions determines the extent a speech has to the audience. Lastly, the topic motivates the audience to think about the future they would like to have. In the process of jogging their minds, they internalize...
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...Invention He explained his ideal version of America by using metaphors. Dr. King promptly mentions the problems that he intended on talking about. Martin Luther King wanted to express that he has a strong hope for America to change the current detrimental way African Americans were treated. He believed that with the support of local communities, that people could join together to achieve fairness for people of all races. Dr. King used plenty of expressive techniques throughout his speech. The section that mentioned the letter he received from the young white girl, and repeating the phrase “If I had sneezed” gave his speech a special touch while carrying his representation for loss, Dr. King was able to relate himself and his personal experiences to the experiences of others. Arrangement...
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...Speech Opinions Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech is an important guideline and goal of equality for the world to follow. Even if the performance, and the marching was staged as Malcolm X stated, the morals of the speech are still valuable and relevant in today’s society. However I agree with Malcolm’s dissatisfaction with the people watching the speech and some participating in the march. To throw away personal opinions and pretend to support a cause to seem “chic”, as Malcolm wrote, is disrespectful to the cause. It is also disappointing that money and publicity bring more people together than serious issues that need to be resolved. Even in the present time most people don’t care about other people’s suffering unless it affects them directly. Throughout history it is clearly shown that affecting a nation's money is a sure way to get some sort of change. For example, the United States would have had no interest in being involved with the Middle East if they didn’t have a rich oil supply. Because oil is a profitable and limited product, the United States ensures that the Middle Eastern countries’ affairs don’t affect oil fields. The only thing that matters is profitable oil, not human lives....
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...is won, but the community battle goes on.”(Dorothy Day) “I have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr. is the most compelling speech. He used figurative language to help support his dream that all men will be able to be given the same treatment. Blacks won’t be satisfied until they are free. Martin Luther King Jr. uses imagery and diction to get to this point. This speech impacts all of American’s lives”...unspeakable horrors of police brutality…” (King, p2). This is diction because he uses words like unspeakable to explain that no one has any words to say about what the whites are doing and why they are doing it. “Negro in Mississippi cannot vote…”(King, p2). This is an example of imagery because it gives an example of where(Mississippi) and what(Blacks...
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...Doctor Martin Luther King Junior captured the entire crowd's attention with his strong and influential message. All of the crowd was cheering during the whole speech. The crowd got even louder when he quoted the message he was putting out there. Having an excellent message for what is being said is always a wonderful way to catch consideration. The audience will not dismiss a speech with an important message. The crowd stayed the entire speech. They reacted to everything Dr. King said. If the audience does decide to stay that means it has a good meaning. It also means it has a meaningful and important message. The crowd joined him to deliver the same message as him and they decided on him to speak for them. They chose him because...
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...Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King’s Speech “I Have a Dream” Likita M. Taylor ITT-Tech English 1320: Composition I November 12 2012 Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King’s Speech “I Have a Dream” “I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.” These are the opening words of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech”, which he predicted will be the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement and the turning point in finally ending segregation. Time and time again, his speech is credited as being “one of the most successful and most legendary speeches in United States history.”(Martin, 2010, 10 par 1). He was an astonishing, intelligent speaker who often relied on using strong rhetoric devices to get his message across. Through his articulate use of logos, pathos, and ethos, King was able to persuade his generation that "the Negro is not free.” (Martin 2001 par3). His speech became the rallying cry for civil rights and lives on to this day as a perpetual masterpiece. Before one can really understand the analysis of his speech, it is important to understand King’s arguments. His main point is that blacks are not free or equal according to the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. He argues that African-Americans must claim their full rights and demand liberation from inequality and suppression. King's audience is not only Black Americans, but his message...
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...ITT-Technical University Rhetorical Analysis of Dr. Martin Luther Kings “I Have A Dream” (Revised) Introduction On August 28th 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave the “I Have a Dream” speech which was addressed to not only the 200,000 white and black Americans but people all around the world. The “I Have A Dream” speech has been considered one of the most greatest and powerful speeches in history. Why was it given? Simply to rectify that all me were created equal despite their race or color. In this Analysis I will be explaining some literary terms he used as strategies in his speech, and also explain how Dr. King used two rhetorical patterns to help him support his argument, those two patters are Ethos, & Pathos. Strategies Dr. King used many literary terms in the “I Have a Dream” speech such as Alliteration, which is the repetition of sounds. For example he says, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” The “c” in those three words of that sentence gives it a repetitive rhythm feel which will make that important part of the speech catch and memorable. Also from that same sentence he used Anaphora, which describes the most famous part of the speech, where in this case is “I Have a Dream”. Although he used it many times just buy naming this speech “I Have a Dream” it will make everything...
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...------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Civil Rights Movement Deyana Faraj On the 4th of July 1776, 56 delegates to the Continental Congress signed a document that would not only declare independence of America from British colonial power but less than 200 years later, become the backbone of a new established America where the walls of discrimination and segregation would finally begin to deteriorate. The Declaration of Independence is a powerful document that has led to the development of equal rights and social justice within societies on a world context. More specifically, principles in this document were instrumental when argued by African American Civil Rights leaders in achieving equality and abolishing racial segregation and discrimination against African- Americans in the United States, during the African American Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). Before the American Civil Rights Movement, laws known as Jim Crow laws had forced racial segregation of facilities and the prohibition of intermarriage. These laws were similar to the apartheid legislation and it became the law mainly in the south of America. Where there is inequality and injustice within a government, the people of the nation demand change. Since the Jim Crow laws were enacted, the laws that mandated racial segregation in public areas and the prohibition of intermarriage in the Southern United States were socially and morally unjust and this fuelled...
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...Literary Techniques of Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream Speech Literary Techniques of Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream Speech Introduction Martin Luther King, Jr., a prominent civil rights leader, delivered a powerful speech at the historic March on Washington. The speech uses several literary techniques to engage the listener. In the speech, King especially likes to use repetition and metaphor to convey his ideas. These devices are the foundation of King?s unique and effective style. Repetition In I Have a Dream King uses repetition throughout. Repetition is a good tool to use to reinforce an important idea. In Dorothy Seyler?s Read, Reason, Write, she states: ?Some repetition of key words and phrases will occur in well-written and unified essays. Some writers, though, go beyond this technique of unified writing and use repetition to produce an effective cadence, like a drum beating in the background, keeping time with the speaker?s fist pounding the lectern for emphasis.? (58). King?s speech is a perfect representation of this. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons...
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...RHETORICAL ANALYSIS 1 Rhetorical Analysis of “I Have Dream” Speech Alfonso Gonzalez Itt Technical Institute Instructor Deana Schoneberg EN 1320 RHETORICAL ANALYSIS 2 The main point of Dr. Kings speech was that an injustice had been done to the black people. They were promised freedom from the emancipation proclamation and up to that point they still were not free. They were segregated and treated like second class citizens. Were they suppose to sit down and let white men at that time humiliate them, beat them, bomb their houses, and strip them of human dignity? No! Dr. King was preaching to all who listened, that now was the time to metaphorically cash this check, a check that will give them upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. But to do this, not with violence or retaliation, “we must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.” (Carson, 1998, p225) This would be the way Dr. King would want to see his dream played out, with non -violence. Were all his efforts done in vain? On August 28, 1963, The March on Washington was organized by Bayard Rustin and led by union leader A. Philip Randolph. The backdrop ironically took place on the steps...
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