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The Fight Against Denied Justice

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Submitted By mntose
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While imprisoned in the Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a letter to respond to the statement “A Call for Unity.” In his response, King expresses logical, emotional, and ethical appeals in an effort to further the fight against social injustice and for freedom by explaining the cause and reason behind the civil rights movements. Through his appeals, King formulates an effective argument. Making an appeal to logos, King states that “We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham, ham and all over the nation, because the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with America’s destiny” (n. pag.). By referring to America as the land of freedom, King claims that freedom, specifically equality among mankind, is inevitable in the United States. Furthering his logical appeal, King speaks of the Birmingham police department’s actions to maintain order and avoid violence among the community. He states that he cannot commend their actions as they were violent and inhumane in their efforts as they attacked “unarmed, nonviolent” and innocent African Americans (n. pag.). King also validates his extremist position by referring to historical extremists such as Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. In his appeal to pathos, King introduces his letter by stating “MY DEAR FELLOW CLERGYMEN” and thus creating a connection with his intended readers (n. pag.). King furthers his emotional appeal by flattering his audience claiming they are “men of genuine good will” (n. pag.). Through his statement, King is not only validating himself but also the clergymen. He is thus acknowledging their opposition as intelligent but an incorrect position. Continuing through his letter, King speaks often about love, especially the love of the greatest extremist, Jesus Christ. His statements of pathos

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