March on Washington Speech, Martin Luther King, Jr., August 1963

 

1. What is the author arguing? 

On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a prophetic speech regarding the civil rights of blacks. He begins his speech by referencing the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln. A notion which suggested that all men would be created equal. King points out that the executive order may have created hope for black slaves, but it did not truly free the blacks from oppression. 

King's argument is that all men should be created equal, both black and white alike. "I have a dream…" is the central focus of King's speech. He has a dream that despite the oppression blacks have suffered and despite the oppressive actions of whites toward blacks, they will come together, hand in hand, sharing human equality. 

2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (perceived character) with their argument? 

King appeals to logic first by referencing the Emancipation Proclamation in the beginning of his speech, the executive order which stated that all men are created equal (white and black alike). King mentions that although the proclamation was a turning point in history in favor of equality, it has not however freed the "Negro" from oppression and unequal human rights. Speaking to the current events (of the time) of the unjust and unequal treatment toward blacks, he addresses the severity and need for action to make a change. "...there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges." In this particular portion of King's speech, he points out that until there is change in the unjust treatment of blacks, the nation will never fulfill it's place in history as a free and democratic society in which all men are created equal.

The emotional quality of King's speech is demonstrated by his ability to express his dream of a better world in which the nation of tomorrow will show unity and peace between races. One particular part of King's speech that touched me the most on an emotional level was his expression of the hope for his four children who "...will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." King expresses a dream in which the superficiality of the color of one's skin will be overseen and the true character is what will matter most.

King's perceived character; he demonstrates a true idea of equality by recognizing the diversity amongst the demonstrators and pointing out that "...they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom." Speaking to the black demonstrators of the whites who stand side by side for the equal and fair treatment of blacks. King also expresses a commonality with the demonstrators that just like them, he has struggled and he urges the watchful people to remain hopeful and follow his dream of a better tomorrow. Above all, what held true with King's character was his belief in non-violent demonstration. He made sure to emphasize his belief by saying "We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence." He further emphasized his point by telling the demonstrators to meet physical force with "soul force". What King meant by that is to stand proud of one's self in the face of physical force and violence, to not waiver and let one's perceived character falter by meeting violence with violence.

3. What is the historical significance of this document? 

Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech was a pivotal point in history in which the beginning of equality amongst all races would surface. I realize that King's speech focuses on the equal treatment of blacks, but the same can hold true for other minorities as well. The March on Washington was the largest civil rights demonstration in American history, which holds a universal meaning for equality not just toward race, but gender, sexuality, and religion. King's words will echo for eternity as the day in which one man stepped up and spoke the true words of equality. He gave reason to believe that people of all colors, genders, and sexualities could come together and fight for equal rights.

4. Do you find the author's argument convincing? Why or why not? 

I found Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech to be very convincing as well as moving.  Having been interested in the civil rights movements of the 1960's for some time and absorbing information regarding the oppression of blacks and other races, I get sickened by how people were treated and continue to be treated to this day all over the world. I'm a true believer in human rights and equality, having experienced my own share of unfair treatment in some situations (albeit not to the extent of which blacks had experienced throughout history). It hits me on an emotional level to see and hear of racial injustice. When I was reading the power point presentation, "Second Reconstruction", it was deeply disturbing how whites would treat the four black college students who sat down and demanded service at a whites-only lunch counter by pouring their drinks and other food items over their heads as they sat there peacefully and quietly.

Aside from my particular views, I did find King's speech very convincing because he had the ability to move people. He had the ability to touch people's souls with words that would evoke sympathy and understanding. As I mentioned before with the particular mentioning of his four children being seen for the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. It proved to be very convincing to me because on a personal level, I can understand where he's coming from. I too would much rather someone look at the content of my character above anything else.