Rives, Tyler: Diversity

An act of non-violent demonstration itself, The Letter from Birmingham Jail, not only provides a motif for what took place in Birmingham, but establishes Dr. King as a strong proponent for civil rights even behind bars. I would even dare to say that King’s biggest contribution to the cause in Birmingham was created while incarcerated. 

                  

          The structure of The Letter from Birmingham Jail greatly adds to its success as a work of literature. Organization is important to any work of writing, and King’s letter epitomizes good organization. He exaggerates each point, but not to excess. He puts to paper a great example of a good argument.  However, exaggeration is not the only key to providing a good argument. Supporting evidence is also an important element, which again King easily provides a surplus of.

Although The Letter from Birmingham Jail sets up a good argument, in my opinion, there were some things that could have created an even greater effect. Whether it’s the imagery within The Letter from Birmingham Jail or the images that automatically come to mind when reading about the struggles during the Civil Rights Movement, the upwelling of emotion flowing out by King’s work is overwhelming and makes the piece difficult to read, at least for me. But, the tone of King’s letter contrasts negatively with its imagery. While The Call for Unity was written in a respectful tone, The Letter from Birmingham Jail, to me, comes off as spiteful, disrespectful, and belligerent. However, I realize that King possessed a pastoral style of writing and speaking; what I believe to be overwhelming emotions and an overly superior tone might simply be that pastoral quality expressing itself. Although this pastoral quality of writing does not affect me positively, I can see where it might have been a successful vernacular during the era of the Civil Rights Movement.

Despite its pastoral style, King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail is an amazingly powerful work of literature, and a much needed response to A Call for Unity.  Martin Luther King had a clear image for his people and stopped at nothing for the promotion of diversity, not only leading to a better America for African Americans but a better America for all.