Birmingham Jail Reaction Paper The Letter from a Birmingham Jail reflects Dr. Kings’ thoughts about his arrest while in a jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama. It was directed to eight clergymen, in response to their statement which criticized Dr. King and his methods of protest. His message was a defense of his own nonviolent direct actions. This author will express her feelings and reactions to Dr. King’s letter to the clergymen. Most Significant Problem Identified The tension of prejudice and racism in Birmingham brought Dr. King there. The clergymen referenced King as an “outsider coming in” (King, 1963). But he was not an outsider because he was invited in and the injustice that happened in Birmingham effect other places. The clergymen believe he came to cause tension, but he really came to support the oppressed black community who felt …show more content…
The letter was aimed at religious leaders and white Americans who stood on the sidelines and observed King and others advocate for change. Changes which were promised but these promises were not fulfilled. For example, the humiliating racial signs were still up after being asking to put down (King, 1963). Initial Reactions The writer’s initial reaction to the letter from Dr. King was how relevant it is to today, 55 years later. It’s connection to the social justice movement happening today in America is remarkable. Social injustice is still present today and there is are nonviolent direct actions in place to bring awareness to the “problem” that still exist in America. Dr. King mentions that people are striving for a superficial peace that ignores the problems and only deals with the symptoms (King, 1963). People have to realize for change to take place, it has to be addressed and there has to be a common ground for change. Most Powerful