Question
My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without legal and nonviolent pressure. History is the long and tragic story of the fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and give up their unjust posture; but as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups are more immoral than individuals.
In 3–5 sentences, explain how the speaker’s word choice and the relationships among words in the paragraph beginning with “My friends, I must say to you …” and ending with “... cup of coffee at a lunch counter.” produce a specific tone.
In 3–5 sentences, explain how the speaker’s word choice and the relationships among words in the paragraph beginning with “My friends, I must say to you …” and ending with “... cup of coffee at a lunch counter.” produce a specific tone.
Answers
Answer
"My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without legal and nonviolent pressure. History is the long and tragic story of the fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and give up their unjust posture; but as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups are more immoral than individuals.
We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly I have never yet engaged in a direct action movement that was “well timed,” according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word “Wait!” It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This “wait” has almost always meant “never.” It has been a tranquilizing Thalidomide, relieving the emotional stress for a moment, only to give birth to an ill-formed infant of frustration. We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.” We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward the goal of political independence, and we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward the gaining of a cup of coffee at a lunch counter."
We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly I have never yet engaged in a direct action movement that was “well timed,” according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word “Wait!” It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This “wait” has almost always meant “never.” It has been a tranquilizing Thalidomide, relieving the emotional stress for a moment, only to give birth to an ill-formed infant of frustration. We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.” We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward the goal of political independence, and we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward the gaining of a cup of coffee at a lunch counter."
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GPT-4o mini
The speaker's choice of words, such as "tragic," "privileged groups," and "unjust posture," conveys a tone of urgency and moral seriousness regarding the struggle for civil rights. Phrases like "legal and nonviolent pressure" highlight a determined yet peaceful approach, emphasizing the need for collective action against systemic injustice. Additionally, the reference to history underscores the ongoing nature of this struggle, creating a tone that is both reflective and resolute, calling listeners to recognize the gravity of their situation and the necessity of sustained effort for change.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
In this passage, the speaker's choice of imagery and emotional language conveys a tone of frustration and urgency regarding the civil rights struggle. Phrases like "freedom is never voluntarily given" and "justice too long delayed is justice denied" highlight the deep sense of betrayal and impatience felt by those who have been oppressed. The metaphor of "tranquilizing Thalidomide" vividly illustrates how the calls to "wait" have stifled progress and perpetuated suffering, further enriching the tone of indignation and determination. Additionally, the contrast between the swift movements for independence in Asia and Africa and the sluggish progress of civil rights in America emphasizes a sense of injustice and the need for immediate action. Overall, the tone is impassioned, compelling listeners to recognize the urgency of their fight for equality.