Techniques used by Martin Luther King to make his message powerful Essay

Techniques used by Martin Luther King to make his message powerful - Essay Example What is extra ordinary is his steely determination combined with clear vision and forceful expression that make his message so powerful. Martin Luther King had a good grasp of all facts and figures. The problem of segregation, its impact on a whole race of people whose only misfortune was the color of their skin, the impunity and arrogance of its perpetuators, the trauma and agony endured by its hapless victims most of whom comprised the aged, women and children, and the indifference of the people in general and the authorities in particular who were in a position to mitigate the problem but preferred to look the other way. The length of the letter, its tone, the unwavering documenting of instances that warranted his personal involvement, proves King's intentions of pursuing the case to its logical end. In his letter, Luther King expressed solidarity with his race, regretted the nonchalant way the problem was being allowed to continue, and does not show any sign of relenting on his opposition to the racial slur being daily played out in the country. He proved the validity of his presence in Birmingham as "consent" to an invitation, and his obligation to "live up to his promise" to engage in a non-violent direct-action program to oppose the "injustice being done here (Birmingham)." He also cited examples like Alabama where Negroes were being denied the right to vote. He contended, "Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong." He even goes on to express his disapp ointment with the "laxity" of the church in relation to the inhuman treatment being perpetuated on the blacks. Scriptural and Political Quotations Being a seasoned theologian, he effectively quoted scriptures in support of his argument. He quoted St. Augustine, and declared, "an unjust law is no law." He referred to "the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake." Assuming a political stance, he stated, "We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was "legal" and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was "illegal." It was "illegal" to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitler's Germany." Using scriptural and political precedents, he made a strong appeal to human conscience in defense of his stand. In the entire saga of the good versus evil, the good always have had to pay a price, even when it vanquished the evil. Socrates did not change his stand even though it cost his life. Many others embraced martyrdom. Eventually, history repeated itself with Martin Luther King too. But they are remembered with gratitude all over the world. Source: Martin Luther King's Letter from the Birmingham Jail, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/mlkjail.html