Letter from Burningham Jail

In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King effectively presented his arguments by using "ethos" about the racial discrimination that has been happening. He gave emphasis on the legality and truthfulness of their claims and their actions on racial discrimination or segregation.

One of his main points is the aptness of the demonstrations being done by people who condone racial discrimination. He shared that there are clergymen who tag the demonstrations as "unwise and untimely." But then, he maintained that the Negro community was left with no other option but to prepare for direct action. He also stressed the importance of engaging with "good-faith negotiation" among city fathers of the Negro community leaders. Disappointingly, the city fathers refused to be engaged in negotiations.

Martin Luther King was also successful in establishing credibility through out his letter. One of evidences is his response to the clergymen that he was an "outsider coming in"; referring to his entry to the jail. He answered that he is the president of an organization based on every southern state, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He related their actions against the blatant racial discrimination.

Also, aside from his claims supported by hard facts and evidences, he also resorted to using "pathos" or appeals involving the emotion. But he presented this with his utmost credibility. He shared the situation in the Birmingham Jail wherein the police where heeded by the clergymen as people who keep "order" and prevent "violence." Martin Luther King reveals that the police do inhumane actions towards the Black prisoners. Police would let dogs loose and maltreats the black people. He even saw the teeth of those dogs sinking unto the skins of the nonviolent Black men.

Lastly, Martin Luther King also used "pathos" in his letter. "Pathos" talks about the letter's being consistent and logical. His letter was an excellent example of the "Ethos, Logos, and Pathos" theory.

Overall, Martin Luther King was very effective in all the points that he presented in his letter or speech.

King, Martin Luther. "Letter from Birmingham Jail". 1963. April 13 2007. .