Question

How does Dr.King respond to the claim that direct action should be condemned because it precipitates violence from a letter from birmingham jail

Answer 1

King rejects that condemnation. He explains that nonviolent direct action is meant to create "constructive tension" — a crisis that forces a community that has refused to negotiate to confront injustice. Quoting the letter: "Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue."

He argues that blaming protesters for "precipitating violence" misunderstands causation: the demonstrations do not create the original injustice or the violent system; rather they expose it and often provoke violent reactions from authorities and segregationists who choose to maintain oppression. He stresses that waiting has repeatedly failed ("For years now I have heard the word 'Wait!'..."), and that oppressed people have a moral duty to oppose unjust laws by nonviolent means. King also condemns actual violence by some demonstrators but insists the primary responsibility for violent suppression rests with those who enforce segregation and deny rights.