What is the author arguing?
Martin Luther King Jr. is arguing that everyone should be
treated equally and that we should not be judged by the color of our skin. He
believed that the pigment of our skin does not change who we are as people. It
bothered him that over 100 years prior to his speech they passed the
Emancipation Proclamation to free all slaves, but at this point in time there seemed
to be no change. Yes, the blacks were no longer slaves technically, but they
were not treated any differently. He was pushing for a change in the treatment
of all humans.
How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos
(emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their
argument?
MLK appeals to logos by pointing out the fact of the
Emancipation Proclamation. Though it was agreed upon 100 years earlier, not
much has changed. America is supposed to be a free country but people of
different races aren’t allowed to use the same water fountains, doors,
bathrooms, schools, and restaurants. Nor are they allowed to have the same jobs
or ride in the same part of public vehicles. He points out that it is stated
that all Americans are created equal but our treatment is not equal. He appeals
to pathos by giving some of his own personal experiences and observations. He
explains all of the hardships that people of color have experienced and that he
is their voice since their voices have been dwindled down to nothing. MLK had a
very strong personality. He knew what his morals were and stood by them no
matter what. In his speech he does not set them aside. Instead of bashing on
the white man, he just showed his point of view. Instead of dwelling on the
past he told everyone his dreams of the future. He knew that stooping down to
the level of the white man and pointing out everything that was wrong would get
him nowhere. He genuinely spoke from his heart.
What is the historical significance/relevance of this
document?
Everyone has heard this speech at one point in time. It is
one of the major parts of the civil rights movement. If MLK had not given this
speech I feel like things would not have moved as quickly as they did. This gave
the blacks the motivation to do what was necessary to get their rights up to
par. This speech helped segregation get outlawed. If it wasn’t for this speech
I would not have the friends I do and I would not be in the classes I am in. To
be completely honest, my family would probably still be living in Kenya.
Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why
not?
I completely agree with his argument. The color of a person’s
skin does not define who they are. A person’s personality and character should
be the deciding factor on if they are a good person. A white person can be just
as ignorant as a black person. When “all people are created equal” as written,
there was not a side note that said, “unless they aren’t white.” Therefore, everyone
should be treated equal.
I think you did an excellent analysis of this speech. Your reasoning is very solid and your examples are specific and relevant. I think what made MLK such an important part of the Civil Rights Movement was the fact that he did not try and fight the system or promote violence; it was like you said, how he was only talking about the future. He wanted to see change, not hatred, between men and women of any race, gender, religion, etc. You also made an excellent point about him not bashing the white men, but just showing what he wanted to see from America as a nation that boasts freedom and equality for all. Not just his point of view, but his hopes and the hopes of all blacks and non-whites too. His passion for change was so strong in the speech, and just listening to the progression of it as he became more excited with the crowd about his Dream and what could be of the future gave the crowd that same hope that one day people could be brought together and treated equally.
ReplyDeleteThe historical significance you gave was very strong too; there is a reason MLK is mentioned whenever the Civil Rights Movement is brought up. He wasn’t just another activist. He promoted real change, sacrificed so much, and even gave his life to see the world become a better place. As you said, the movement may have slowed, or even fallen to chaos and physical violence. In his speech, he pointed out specifically that he saw “many of [his] white brothers, as evidenced by their presence”. It showed they were ready for change, and seeing them come together with blacks was a proof that not all white people were against blacks being equals. I think seeing that really made an impact on MLK, his followers, and the movement, because white people (and black people, too) were finally coming towards a realization that change was happening and would continue to do so until they were all equal, like the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence stated for all Americans.